Meet Our Partner: SPP – distribution, a.s.
SPP – distribution was founded in 2006 following the unbundling of Slovenský plynárenský priemysel. Headquartered in Bratislava, it operates Slovakia’s primary gas distribution network. The company manages more than 33,000 km of pipelines and supplies over 1.5 million customers, covering almost the entire national market. SPP – distribution is already testing hydrogen solutions – through its H2PILOT project, it confirmed that small amounts of hydrogen can be safely injected into the network without major technical modifications. The company is also preparing technical and regulatory adjustments to make the grid ready for renewable gases, including pure hydrogen. With its infrastructure and expertise, SPP – distribution is a key partner in the EASTGATEH2V project.
Meet Our Partner: Eustream, a.s.
Eustream is the key operator of Slovakia’s natural gas transmission network. Founded in 1972 and headquartered in Bratislava, the company operates pipelines that connect Slovakia with Ukraine, Hungary, Austria, the Czech Republic and Poland, forming a major gas crossroads in Central Europe. A system of four parallel pipelines and modern compressor stations ensures safe and reliable gas transport for European markets. Eustream is investing in green technologies and preparing its infrastructure for the future
Meet Our Partner: U. S. Steel Košice, s.r.o.
U. S. Steel Košice is the largest steel producer in Slovakia and one of the leading industrial companies in Central Europe. It was established in 2000, when U. S. Steel Corporation acquired the East Slovak Ironworks. Headquartered in Košice, it is one of the region’s biggest employers, with more than 7,700 employees. Its products supply the automotive, construction and energy industries worldwide. The company is committed to carbon neutrality and is preparing for large-scale clean energy adoption. As a major industrial hydrogen off-taker and a testing platform for decarbonisation, U. S. Steel Košice is a key industrial partner in the EASTGATEH2V project.
Meet Our Partner: Public Bus Transport Company of the Košice Self-Governing Region
The Public Bus Transport Company of the Košice Self-Governing Region was founded by the regional government in 2023 with the aim of supporting green and innovative transport in eastern Slovakia. It is not a traditional transport operator but a purpose-built organisation created to implement modern low-emission and zero-emission mobility solutions. The company focuses primarily on hydrogen-powered transport, preparing the pilot deployment of hydrogen buses and the associated infrastructure. Its mission is to provide solutions enabling clean, safe and sustainable mobility for the region’s residents. The company is one of the key actors in transforming eastern Slovakia into a Hydrogen Valley and a hub of green mobility.
Meet Our Partner: TOMARK PROTON
TOMARK is an engineering company based in Prešov, Slovakia, founded in 1995. Today, it ranks among Europe’s leading manufacturers of truck chassis and has developed and certified its own aircraft models. The company employs more than 200 people and operates a production facility exceeding 20,000 m².
Meet Our Partner: Technical University of Košice (TUKE)
The Technical University of Košice (TUKE) is one of Slovakia’s most prominent research and education institutions. Founded in 1952, it consists of nine faculties with strong expertise in engineering, energy, digitalisation and materials science. TUKE is an active member of international networks such as Ulysseus, EIT InnoEnergy and Hydrogen Europe.
Meet Our Partner: W2H2 KSK
W2H2 KSK is a newly established company created through a joint initiative of the Košice Self-governing Region and KOSIT, a. s. Its mission is to produce green hydrogen locally in Košice, using waste heat and renewable electricity.
The company plays a key role in the region’s transition to clean energy, particularly in transport and industry. Local hydrogen production supports emission reduction, strengthens energy security, and contributes to a sustainable future for the Košice Region.
Meet Our Partner: Slovak National Hydrogen Association (NVAS)
The Slovak National Hydrogen Association (NVAS) is a professional organisation dedicated to supporting hydrogen technologies as a pathway toward climate neutrality and increased energy security. Established in 2015, NVAS was founded through a joint initiative of companies, experts, and public institutions. Today, it is one of Slovakia’s most influential players in the hydrogen sector.
Meet Our Coordinator: Košice Self-governing Region (KSK)
The Košice Self-governing Region serves as the main coordinator of the EASTGATEH2V project, leading the creation of Slovakia’s first fully integrated hydrogen ecosystem. As a key regional authority, KSK connects innovation, climate ambitions, and long-term territorial development.
EASTGATEH2V in 2025: Laying the Foundations for Slovakia’s First Hydrogen Valley
The year 2025 marked the preparation and start-up phase of the EASTGATEH2V project, laying the foundations for Slovakia’s first Hydrogen Valley in the Košice region. During this phase, project partners focused on technical planning, permitting processes and detailed design for hydrogen production, distribution and deployment sites. This work ensures that future infrastructure will be safe, efficient and ready for long-term operation.