Activities in Renewable Energy Projects
In 2021, JESS launched the preparation of the Renewable Energy Project (REP). Its goal is to produce electricity from renewable energy sources and to generate hydrogen. The project is fully aligned with the Slovak Republic’s objective to produce electricity from carbon-free sources as a response to ongoing climate change. A key factor in initiating this project was the outcome of the analysis Potential Use of JESS Assets and Infrastructure for Investments in Renewable Energy Sources. This analysis confirmed the project’s economic viability until the construction of the new nuclear source, the priority of utilizing renewable energy and producing green hydrogen, as well as the potential for synergies with current and future nuclear energy production. Following these activities, a Memorandum of Understanding was signed on 15 June 2021, under which both shareholders of the company agreed that JESS may, in addition to the New Nuclear Power Plant Project, also develop the Renewable Energy Project. At the same time, the Government of the Slovak Republic approved a proposal to expand the company’s business activities to include electricity generation from renewable sources and hydrogen production.
Activities related to the Feasibility Study for the Green Hydrogen for Transport Project began in the second half of 2021. The study results identified as the optimal option the production of green hydrogen from electricity generated by a photovoltaic power plant located in Jaslovské Bohunice, and its effective use primarily in the public bus transport system in Slovakia.At the end of 2021, in accordance with the company’s Articles of Association, a Business Plan (first stage for the years 2022–2025 in the Jaslovské Bohunice locality) for the Green Hydrogen for Transport Project was approved. Based on this plan, activities within the REP projects are being implemented. During 2021, JESS prepared an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) notification in accordance with Act No. 24/2006 Coll. on environmental impact assessment for the Photovoltaic Power Plant 1 in Jaslovské Bohunice (PVPP 1 Bohunice). This notification was submitted at the end of November to the District Office in Trnava, Department of Environmental Care. In accordance with applicable legislation, the notification was prepared and assessed for the construction of a photovoltaic power plant with a cumulative capacity of up to 48 MW in the Jaslovské Bohunice area. JESS received a positive opinion on the environmental impact assessment of the proposed activity (PVPP) and its effects on the environment. Based on this, the company is implementing the construction of photovoltaic power plants in the Jaslovské Bohunice locality in two phases.
Phase 1 – PVPP 1 Jaslovské Bohunice and Hydrogen Economy
The first stage of the project was completed in 2024. The Green Hydrogen for Transport Project received a non-repayable financial contribution totalling EUR 7 million from the Operational Programme Quality of Environment. The provision of this grant improved the project’s overall economic parameters.
The Photovoltaic Power Plant 1 Jaslovské Bohunice (PVPP 1 Bohunice), with an installed capacity of 9.991 MWp, was built on a brownfield site – an area previously occupied by decommissioned facilities of the former A1 and V1 nuclear power plants. A distinctive feature of this installation is the east–west orientation of the panels, the so-called “roof-type“ system, which allows for more efficient utilization of solar energy. Although it produces a flatter generation curve and a slightly lower designed production factor, it adds value through a better distribution of electricity generation over time. This enables production even during periods when conventional south-facing photovoltaic panels typically do not reach significant output levels.
The second part of the Green Hydrogen for Transport Project involves the construction of a hydrogen production facility in the EMPARK industrial area, Trnava – Modranka. The project proposal was submitted for environmental assessment at the beginning of 2022. It focused on the decentralized production of green hydrogen using a containerized PEM-type electrolyzer with an input power of up to 1.2 MW. In 2022, the District Office in Trnava issued a positive opinion on the proposed activity within the Environmental Impact Assessment process. In 2023, a public procurement process was carried out, resulting in the selection of technology for green hydrogen production. The core of the system is a PEM electrolyzer with an input power of 2 MW and a production capacity of 440 kg of hydrogen per day. The electrolyzer system also includes auxiliary equipment for hydrogen storage and distribution, including a refuelling station. At the beginning of 2024, construction and installation works on the technology began, leading to the successful commissioning and approval of the hydrogen station in December 2024. Currently, the project is in the testing and calibration phase of individual components prior to full operation. Another major challenge ahead is obtaining certification for green hydrogen production in accordance with EU regulations.
Phase 2 – PVPP 2 Jaslovské Bohunice
The second phase of the project represents an expansion of the photovoltaic power plant in Jaslovské Bohunice through the installation of photovoltaic panels on greenfield areas with a total surface of 112,280 m². As part of this phase, JESS is implementing the Photovoltaic Power Plant 2 Jaslovské Bohunice (PVPP 2 Bohunice) with an installed capacity of 9.9 MWp. The construction and installation works have been completed, and the project has received a valid occupancy permit. After the successful completion of functional tests, the facility will be put into operation. The panels are oriented to the south, which combined with the east-west orientation of panels at PVPP 1 Bohunice will enable an even better balance in the company’s photovoltaic energy production.
Wind Energy
Wind energy represents one of the key components in the Slovak Republic’s transition to zero-emission and sustainable energy sources. In line with European legislation, particularly the goals of REPowerEU and Directive (EU) 2023/2413 of the European Parliament and of the Council, the Slovak Republic has committed to developing renewable energy sources to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050. Based on Slovak Government Resolution No. 371/2023 and Authorization No. 181739/2023-1060-411753 dated 31 August 2023, JESS was entrusted by the Ministry of Economy of the Slovak Republic with the implementation of tasks under Component 19 of the Recovery and Resilience Plan of the Slovak Republic. The company’s role is to identify, analyze, and prepare so-called pilot zones – acceleration areas suitable for the construction of wind farms.
The objective of the wind farm development project is to increase the share of renewable energy sources in the national energy mix, support the decarbonization of the economy in accordance with the climate goals of Slovakia and the EU, and contribute to the country’s energy independence. The project aims to efficiently utilize identified pilot wind zones with high wind potential, implement technically and environmentally sustainable solutions, and ensure long-term socio-economic benefits for the affected regions. The project also seeks to:
- contribute to achieving the EU renewable energy targets (42.5% by 2030),
- develop a Methodology for the Selection and Assessment of Suitable Locations, and
- prepare sites for the future construction of two pilot wind farms (Wind Farm East and Wind Farm West) with a minimum total installed capacity of 300 MW.
Plagat_Zeleny_vodik_pre_dopravu (90.3 KB)