Results of Slovenian RDI Projects in Energy Efficiency Attract NATO Experts to Slovenia

Breakthrough results of Slovenian research, development and innovation (RDI) projects in the field of energy efficiency have drawn the attention of key stakeholders from the NATO-led international project Operational Energy Efficiency – thanks to an invitation by  Col. Robert Šipec, Head of the Energy Efficiency and Green Transition Sector at the Ministry of Defence of the Republic of Slovenia (SiMoD).

During the visit, distinguished experts from Canada, the United States, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom observed several innovative solutions developed  in  RDI projects ALENOS, MODEL+, and HibroM. The visitors expressed strong interest in the presented prototypes and approaches, which address current alliance challenges and offer concrete, field-deployable solutions.

The first day of the visit was dedicated to viewing prototype solutions from the ALENOS RDI project. The visitors showed great interest in the mobile energy self-sufficiency system at the Bač military shooting range, developed as part of a project addressing energy challenges in mobile and logistically demanding operations. The pilot installation is designed as a fully self-sufficient energy unit that significantly reduces the carbon footprint while also serving as a development platform for future smart military bases.

Energy-Efficient Solutions Enhance Reliability and Reduce Operational Costs

The second part of the visit took place at the premises of Robotina, a partner in the HibroM project – Development of a Hybrid Mobile Microgrid for Temporary Bases. The presented solution is designed for operation in challenging field conditions. The hybrid generator, battery system, and smart distribution cabinet have been developed to enable rapid, logistically efficient, and safe deployment, while ensuring reliable energy supply for temporary military bases.

Special attention was also given to the MODEL+ project, with a visit to the facility at the Murska Sobota barracks. Representatives of REM, the project’s lead partner, demonstrated how energy efficiency contributes to greater functionality and reduced operational costs, using a low-energy dual-use accommodation module as a concrete example.

TECES | SiEnE expert for Communications and Cybersecurity, Mojca Volk, Ph.D., from the Faculty of Electrical Engineering, University of Ljubljana and TECES | SiEnE expert for Digital Platforms, Blaž Peternel, from Smartis, during a visit to the company Smartis, presented developments in digital twins and edge-level interoperability, energy interoperability, and innovative microgrid technologies. Using the HibroM project as a case study, they also showcased cyber testing of energy solutions.

TECES and SiEnE Projects Aligned with EU and NATO Defence Priorities

The showcased projects demonstrate the orientation of Slovenian RDI capabilities towards developing practical and technologically advanced solutions at the intersection of defence, energy efficiency, and sustainable operations. Energy efficiency is also a key focus area of international TECES and SiEnE projects under the European Defence Fund, including EDF-2021-INDY, EDF-2021-NOMAD, and EDF-2024-SENTINEL.

International guests expressed strong interest in the prototypes and approaches that address current alliance challenges and offer tangible, field-ready solutions. The visit strengthened professional ties between Slovenian partners and the NATO Operational Energy project members and laid the groundwork for future collaboration.

Active Role of Slovenian Stakeholders in the Development of European Defence Solutions

Through excellent and well-coordinated cooperation between TECES and the Ministry of Defence of the Republic of Slovenia, under the SiEnE partnership, Slovenia once again demonstrated that, with its innovations, expertise, and commitment to a sustainable future, it is a relevant and reliable partner in European and allied defence development initiatives. As a result, greater involvement of Slovenian stakeholders in international development groups and new project opportunities is expected, with a clear focus on integrating proven energy solutions into defence capabilities.

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