On 9 September 2025, the NACHIP project was presented at the HEAT 35 local stakeholder event in Velenje, which focused on the transformation of district heating systems by 2035.
In the session “Use for District Heating – Velenje Pilot Presentation”, Alenka Pogačar from Mestna občina Velenje introduced the pilot project demonstrating how a public building (the Škale Fire Station) can be heated using green hydrogen. The pilot serves as a testbed for integrating renewable hydrogen into district heating systems, combining solar energy, battery storage, and hydrogen seasonal storage.
The project aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, gradually replace coal, and provide cleaner air and more efficient heating for the Šalek Valley. Beyond the pilot building, the solution is designed for potential expansion to parts of the existing district heating network. Local SMEs are also encouraged to participate through public calls offering up to €60,000 in co-financing, building a broader and more stable hydrogen user base.
By optimising the pilot’s operation and aligning local incentives, NACHIP directly supports European strategic goals — including climate neutrality by 2050 (European Green Deal), the REPowerEU objectives for reducing fossil fuel dependency, and the EU Mission “100 Climate-Neutral and Smart Cities by 2030.”
The HEAT 35 event provided a valuable opportunity to present these ambitions, connect with stakeholders, and showcase how projects like NACHIP are paving the way for a sustainable energy transition across Central Europe.
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