Slovenian Ministry of Defence hosted Kick-Off meeting of the HibroM RDI project

On 29th August 2023, the Kick-Off meeting for the newly initiated two-year RDI project "Development of Hybrid Mobile Microgrid for Deployable Dual-Use Camps (HibroM)" took place at the premises of the Ministry of Defence of the Republic of Slovenia (Si MoD. The MoD is the financier of the project and the end user of the planned newly developed solutions.

The introductory event already demonstrated a high level of engagement and interest from partners. In addition to the expected larger representation of project partners, more Si MoD and the Slovenian Armed Forces experts attended the event as the end users of the planned new solutions. Thus, the project's inception has already opened important topics and established key starting points for the successful execution of the R&D project.

The aim of the project is to develop a new and innovative integrated system for the rapid establishment of a functional, intelligent and managed microgrid in the field. The integrated system will consist of deployable solutions such as a hybrid diesel generator with energy storage capability, a battery-based electricity storage system, a smart distribution box, and a smart microgrid with a digital twin and dynamic consumer and resource management.

The project partners are TECES (leading partner), ROBOTINA d.o.o., TAB d.d., and STUBELJ d.o.o.. Significant contributions to the project will also be made by subcontractors TPV PRIKOLICES d.o.o. (TPV TRAILERS), SMARTIS d.o.o., UL Faculty of Electrical Engineering, UL Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, and UM Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Computer Science and Informatics.

With the strengthening of competencies and newly developed solutions, Slovenian partners and the Ministry of Defence aim to enhance collaboration in various international initiatives, projects, and defence supply chains.

Basic Information on the HibroM Project

The HibroM project represents one of the numerous RDI projects by Slovenian partners supported by the Slovenian Ministry of Defence (Si MoD). These projects address the green transition, energy, and environmental challenges in the defence and security sector under the auspices of the Slovenian Energy and Environment Partnership in Defence (SiEnE).

The HibroM project focuses on the identified needs of Si MoD and the Slovenian Armed Forces for improving the energy supply of deployable military bases and enhancing the technical/technological capabilities of the Slovenian Armed Forces, as well as bases supporting civil protection and disaster relief (URSZR).

The project aligns with ongoing and planned national and international projects aimed at improving the energy supply of temporary deployable military bases. Its objective is to develop new solutions to reduce dependence on fossil fuels by introducing alternative energy sources.

The project serves as the Slovenian partners’ response to project number 7 of the March Public Call for Participation in RDI projects, through which the Slovenian MoD encourages the amalgamation of experience and knowledge from Slovenian industry and research organisations for the development of innovative solutions for both civil and defence (dual) use.

Project Objectives

The project’s key objective is to reduce fuel consumption, maintenance costs, the need for redundant generators, logistical and environmental footprint, and noise emissions by introducing energy storage technologies, newly developed solutions, and monitoring of produced and consumed energy.

The project’s ultimate aim is to develop a new and innovative integrated system to rapidly establish a functional, intelligent and managed microgrid in the field. The system comprises standalone and connectable deployable solutions such as a hybrid diesel generator with energy storage capability, a battery-based electricity storage unit, a smart distribution box, and a smart microgrid with a digital twin and dynamic prosumers management.

The project activities will take place at a Technology Readiness Level (TRL) ranging from 5-6 to 8, with the final results of the project being at TRL 8.

The two-year RDI HibroM project is executed by a development consortium with TECES as the lead partner. Partners, all TECEC/SiEnE members, were formed during the project proposal preparation process. In April 2023, TECES invited interested parties to participate in the RDI project. Interested partners had the opportunity to present their competencies and development capabilities. After coordination meetings, an ambitious consortium was formed for the RDI HibroM project, consisting of TECES/SiEnE members:

• Consortium Partners: TECES (lead), ROBOTINA d.o.o., TAB d.d., STUBELJ d.o.o.
• Known Subcontractors (whose role in the project is clearly predefined): SMARTIS d.o.o., TPV Trailers d.o.o., Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Computer Science and Informatics, University of Maribor; Faculty of Electrical Engineering, University of Ljubljana; and Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, University of Ljubljana.

Strategic Placement of the HibroM Project

Strategically, the HibroM project falls under the portfolio of national projects under the umbrella of the Slovenian Energy and Environment Partnership in Defence (SiEnE), founded by TECES and the Slovenian Ministry of Defence in 2020.

It focuses on developmental solutions aligned with the strategic program of Smart, Energy-Self-Sufficient, and Efficient Deployable Dual-Use Bases (PamPIK), which also forms the basis for the involvement of Slovenian partners in the international environment with the Si MoD support.

The project aligns with national and EU strategic defence programs and projects for the greening of the defence sector (such as “INDY, energy-efficient and independent deployable military camps” and “NOMAD, NOvel energy storage technologies usable at MilitAry Deployments“).

Additional Information

For more information about the possibilities of your participation in SiEnE activities and involvement in international activities, projects, or supply chains, contact us.

Dr. Marja JERIČ – TECES .:.  +386 2 333 13 56 .:.   This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.