Who we are — the EASTGATEH2V partnership
EASTGATEH2V brings together 22 organisations from 7 European countries, working together to develop Slovakia’s first Hydrogen Valley. Our consortium combines expertise in hydrogen production, mobility, energy, industry, research and regional development.
The partnership covers the entire value chain — from renewable hydrogen production, transport and storage, to real-life applications, socio-economic studies and public engagement.
EASTGATEH2V partners are based in Slovakia, Ukraine, Germany, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, Spain and Slovenia, ensuring strong European collaboration and knowledge exchange.
Together, we are building a sustainable, clean and innovative future for Eastern Slovakia and beyond.
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.
KSK’s Key Role in EASTGATEH2V
KSK oversees the entire implementation process—from strategic vision and planning to partner coordination and delivery of project outcomes.
As project coordinator, KSK:
Hydrogen Leadership in the Region
Košice Region is recognized as a pioneer in hydrogen development in Slovakia:
Hydrogen buses, boats, drones, and other applications will soon operate within one integrated regional system—making Košice Region a demonstration model for hydrogen mobility and innovation.
Vision for the Future
KSK aims to introduce carbon-neutral mobility, strengthen regional energy resilience, and become an exemplary hydrogen transformation hub for Central and Eastern Europe.
As the project coordinator, KSK embodies public leadership, strong regional commitment, and forward-looking innovation.
Learn more about the coordinator: https://www.kosickazupa.sk
Contact Person
Katarína Sasaráková
E-mail: katarina.sasarakova@vucke.sk
A leader in hydrogen policy and strategic development
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.
NVAS as a strategic policy expert
NVAS contributed to major national documents shaping Slovakia’s hydrogen future:
It also collaborates with ministries and governmental bodies to improve legislation and create better conditions for hydrogen deployment.
NVAS in the EASTGATEH2V Project
Within the project, NVAS plays a pivotal role in developing legal and policy frameworks that will support the growth of hydrogen technologies across Central and Eastern Europe.
NVAS will:
By contributing its strong expertise and institutional connections, NVAS helps shape a more sustainable and hydrogen-driven future for the region.
Learn more about NVAS on their official website:
Bringing green hydrogen production to the Košice Region
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.
The role of W2H2 KSK in the EASTGATEH2V project
As the main technical partner, W2H2 KSK is responsible for developing and operating the core infrastructure needed for hydrogen production and supply.
W2H2 KSK is in charge of:
The hydrogen will be used to power buses, a waste collection truck, a tourist boat, drones and selected industrial operations.
W2H2 KSK will also ensure carbon footprint monitoring and certification of Guarantees of Origin in line with EU standards. This contributes directly to the development of carbon-neutral mobility in the region.
W2H2 KSK represents a crucial link between science, technology and sustainability, making it an essential partner in the implementation of the EASTGATEH2V project.
A leading institution in engineering, research, and innovation for a sustainable future
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.
With more than 12,000 students and strong cooperation with industry and research organisations, the university plays a crucial role in preparing experts capable of supporting Europe’s transition to modern and low-carbon technologies. Its extensive expertise makes TUKE a key partner in the EASTGATEH2V project.
The role of TUKE in the EASTGATEH2V project
TUKE provides essential analytical, educational and technical support for developing the hydrogen ecosystem in the Košice Region. Two faculties are directly involved:
TUKE is in charge of:
With strong technical expertise and research capacity, TUKE plays a vital role in ensuring the safe, efficient and sustainable deployment of hydrogen technologies in the region. It is an essential expert pillar of the EASTGATEH2V project.
Learn more about TUKE: https://www.tuke.sk/en
Developing hydrogen innovation for clean aviation and ground mobility
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.
Building on this strong industrial foundation, the company has launched a new division, TOMARK PROTON, focused on hydrogen technologies. It develops hydrogen-powered aircraft, drones, high-pressure tanks, automated refuelling systems and digital control platforms. Its ambition is to create a complete hydrogen ecosystem for zero-emission mobility, combining advanced engineering with a vision for sustainable transport. TOMARK PROTON contributes cutting-edge R&D and aerospace expertise to the EASTGATEH2V project.
The role of TOMARK PROTON in the EASTGATEH2V project
TOMARK PROTON helps transform hydrogen concepts into safe, functional and technologically advanced solutions—on the ground and in the air. Within the project, it contributes to several strategic tasks.
TOMARK PROTON is in charge of:
Thanks to its high-level engineering expertise and aviation background, TOMARK PROTON provides a unique technological contribution, helping drive hydrogen innovation from the ground into the air. It is an essential partner in advancing modern hydrogen mobility solutions.
Learn more about TOMARK PROTON: https://www.tomarkproton.eu/
A regional instrument for the development of clean and innovative mobility
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.
The role of the Public Bus Transport Company in the EASTGATEH2V project
The company brings valuable operational knowledge to the project, enabling the creation of a hydrogen ecosystem that works reliably and safely in real-life conditions. It contributes to several essential project tasks.
The Public Bus Transport Company is in charge of:
It also contributes to the development of a digital twin – an advanced virtual model simulating the entire hydrogen ecosystem. Powered by real-time operational data such as bus consumption, tank pressure and delivery flows, the digital twin will optimise hydrogen supply, support real-time system management and detect potential issues early.
Thanks to the Public Bus Transport Company of the Košice Region, hydrogen-powered public transport is becoming a reality – clean, safe and efficient.
The largest steel producer in Slovakia and a key industrial partner for green transformation
The role of U. S. Steel Košice in the EASTGATEH2V project
Through this cooperation, the Košice Hydrogen Valley becomes connected with heavy industry, which is essential for its long-term development and impact.
Learn more about U. S. Steel Košice: https://www.usske.sk/en/
Eustream, a.s.
Operator of Slovakia’s gas transmission system and a strategic partner for future hydrogen infrastructure
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 transport of low-carbon and renewable gases, including hydrogen. With its strategic position and expertise, Eustream is an important partner of the EASTGATEH2V project.
The role of Eustream in the EASTGATEH2V project
Eustream joins the project as the operator of strategic gas infrastructure, enabling the import of renewable hydrogen from Ukraine. By adapting part of its network, it will open a new route for delivering clean energy directly to the region.
Eustream will be involved in:
Thanks to Eustream, the Košice Hydrogen Valley will be connected to European networks and may become a gateway for hydrogen imports from Ukraine to the EU.
Learn more about Eustream: https://www.eustream.sk/en/
Slovakia’s main gas distributor and a key partner for future hydrogen infrastructure
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.
The role of SPP – distribution in EASTGATEH2V
SPP – distribution joins the project as the operator of Slovakia’s gas distribution network, focusing on how the grid can be prepared for hydrogen delivery in the Košice region. The company will analyse regional needs and outline the steps necessary to enable future hydrogen distribution.
SPP – distribution will:
This project phase does not involve building new pipelines – the objective is to create expert studies and clear plans for future development. Thanks to SPP – distribution, the region will gain practical solutions on how to deliver hydrogen safely and efficiently to industry, public transport and other end-users.
Learn more about SPP – distribution: https://www.spp-distribucia.sk/
Eastern Slovakia’s gateway to the world and a testing platform for future hydrogen technologies
Aviation in Košice has a history spanning more than a century, beginning with the first gas balloon flight in 1906. The first modern terminal opened in 2004. Today, Košice International Airport is the second largest airport in Slovakia, serving hundreds of thousands of passengers annually with direct connections to Vienna, Warsaw, Zurich and London. As the main air transport hub of Eastern Slovakia, the airport plays a vital role in regional mobility. Within the EASTGATEH2V project, it will examine the potential use of hydrogen in aviation and explore low-carbon innovations for aircraft operations.
The role of Košice International Airport in the EASTGATEH2V project
Košice Airport provides a real-world environment to explore hydrogen use in aviation. Its primary task is to prepare a feasibility study assessing whether the airport can evolve into a “hydrogen airport” – with appropriate infrastructure for hydrogen storage, distribution and operational use.
Košice Airport will be involved in:
Through these contributions, Košice International Airport becomes a testing ground for the future of hydrogen aviation, supporting cleaner flights and innovative solutions for the entire Hydrogen Valley.
Learn more about Košice International Airport: https://www.airportkosice.sk/en
A leading SME in European innovation projects and a key partner for communication and networking
PEDAL Consulting is one of Slovakia’s most successful organisations in the field of European innovation projects. It is the top-performing SME in national rankings, with the highest number of successful projects under Horizon Europe, Horizon 2020 and COSME. With more than 12 years of experience and a dynamic international team, PEDAL collaborates with companies, universities and public institutions across Europe. Its network extends throughout all EU member states and reaches further into wider Europe, Africa, the MENA region, South America and the USA. PEDAL Consulting plays a central role in the EASTGATEH2V project by leading communication, dissemination and networking activities.
The role of PEDAL Consulting in the EASTGATEH2V project
PEDAL Consulting joins the project as an expert in communication and dissemination, ensuring the project reaches experts, industry stakeholders and the broader public.
PEDAL Consulting will:
Thanks to PEDAL Consulting, the EASTGATEH2V project becomes more than a technical initiative – it becomes a story that connects people and unlocks new opportunities for the entire Hydrogen Valley.
Learn more about PEDAL Consulting: https://www.pedal-consulting.eu/
A digital innovation specialist supporting data-driven hydrogen ecosystem management
A.U.S. Advanced Unmanned Systems was founded in 2019 and is based in Košice, Slovakia. The company focuses on data processing, digital modelling and advanced IT solutions. It develops innovative systems for industry, energy and transport, integrating technology, research and real-world applications in smart mobility. A.U.S. is well known for its work on digital twins, process simulation and intelligent modelling platforms. Within the EASTGATEH2V project, it contributes key expertise in digitalisation and data management to support efficient operation of the hydrogen ecosystem.
The role of A.U.S. Advanced Unmanned Systems in the EASTGATEH2V project
A.U.S. is responsible for digitalisation and data management across the project. Together with its partners, it is developing a digital twin of the Hydrogen Valley – a real-time computer model that represents the functioning of the hydrogen ecosystem from production to distribution and consumption.
A.U.S. will be involved in:
Thanks to A.U.S., an intelligent digital platform will be created to support more efficient, reliable and data-driven management of the entire Hydrogen Valley.
Learn more about A.U.S: https://aus-sk.com/
A platform connecting industry, research and innovation to enable digital transformation
The Industry Innovation Cluster (IIC), based in Bratislava, connects companies, universities and research organisations to drive industrial innovation and digital transformation. Since its establishment in 2017, it has supported businesses of all sizes in joining European research and innovation projects. IIC has been successfully involved in Horizon Europe, Digital Europe, EIT Manufacturing, Interreg and several national innovation initiatives.
IIC brings together academia and industry, creating a collaborative environment for knowledge sharing and strategic partnership development. Through the Slovak Centre for Digital Innovations (SCDI), it helps SMEs advance their digital transformation, with a strong focus on Gaia-X and IDSA principles for secure and trusted data exchange. As a partner in EASTGATEH2V, IIC contributes to strengthening digital readiness and innovation capacity across the region.
The role of the Industry Innovation Cluster (IIC) in the EASTGATEH2V project
IIC connects industry, research and innovation to build a smart, data-driven Hydrogen Valley. It collaborates on the development of the methodology and the digital twin that will enable real-time monitoring of hydrogen production, distribution and consumption.
IIC is responsible for:
IIC contributes expertise in digital transformation, innovation and research-to-industry collaboration, strengthening Slovakia’s competitiveness in Europe’s hydrogen transition.
Learn more about IIC: https://www.industryinnovationcluster.sk/
Ukraine’s national hydrogen association linking the country to Europe’s clean energy market
The Ukrainian Hydrogen Council is Ukraine’s national hydrogen association, founded in 2018 to support the development of green energy and a hydrogen-based economy. It brings together industry, research institutions, investors and public authorities, playing a key role in strengthening Ukraine’s energy independence and integration into the European energy market. UHC is the first organisation from outside the EU to become a member of Hydrogen Europe, representing Ukraine in major European clean energy initiatives. The Council actively contributes to policy development, investment support, research and education in hydrogen technologies. Within the EASTGATEH2V project, it provides strategic expertise on hydrogen economy development in Central and Eastern Europe.
The role of the Ukrainian Hydrogen Council in the EASTGATEH2V project
The Ukrainian Hydrogen Council brings a strategic and regulatory perspective to the project, focusing on hydrogen sector development in Ukraine and its alignment with the European Union.
UHC is responsible for:
Through the involvement of the Ukrainian Hydrogen Council, the EASTGATEH2V project connects European and Ukrainian expertise and strengthens cross-border cooperation in clean energy and hydrogen innovation.
Learn more about the Ukrainian Hydrogen Council: https://hydrogen.ua/en/
A pioneer in green hydrogen development and cross-border hydrogen ecosystems
Hydrogen Ukraine is a pioneering green hydrogen company based in Kyiv, focused on developing large-scale hydrogen production and modern hydrogen ecosystems. The company is building the Odesa and Zakarpattia Hydrogen Valleys, connecting Ukraine with Slovakia and the European Union. It focuses on technological innovation, engineering excellence and sustainable growth. Its mission is to transform Ukraine’s strong renewable energy potential into clean energy for domestic use and European markets. Hydrogen Ukraine supports research, regional cooperation and infrastructure development for hydrogen production, storage and transport. Within the EASTGATEH2V project, it plays a key role in developing the Zakarpattia Hydrogen Valley and enabling cross-border green hydrogen flows to Košice.
The role of Hydrogen Ukraine in the EASTGATEH2V project
Hydrogen Ukraine leads the technical implementation on the Ukrainian side of the project and prepares the core elements of hydrogen production and export infrastructure.
Hydrogen Ukraine is responsible for:
The objective is to establish infrastructure that enables the export of Ukrainian green hydrogen to Europe, strengthening energy connectivity between Slovakia and Ukraine within the Hydrogen Valley framework.
Learn more about Hydrogen Ukraine: https://h2u.ua/en/
Expert in hydrogen ecosystems and cross-border cooperation
ECUBES Technology is a Slovenian clean energy technology company with a strong focus on hydrogen, sector coupling, and energy storage. The company is engaged in project development activities that support the integration of hydrogen into energy systems and the deployment of modern, flexible, and resilient energy infrastructure.
ECUBES has extensive experience in the development of hydrogen valleys and large-scale cross-border hydrogen initiatives across Europe and beyond. The company builds on practical knowledge gained from projects linking energy production, infrastructure, and end use in transport, industry, and public services. ECUBES is also active in areas related to energy security and infrastructure resilience.
Thanks to this background, ECUBES is well positioned to transfer proven approaches from operational hydrogen ecosystems to emerging regions.
Role of ECUBES in the EASTGATEH2V project
Within the EASTGATEH2V project, ECUBES participates as an expert partner, supporting the strategic development of the Hydrogen Valley and strengthening cross-border cooperation in Central and Eastern Europe.
In the project, ECUBES:
The involvement of ECUBES helps connect regional initiatives with European experience and supports the safe and effective scaling of hydrogen solutions within the EASTGATEH2V framework.
Contribution to the Hydrogen Valley
ECUBES represents an important link between strategic planning, technical expertise, and practical implementation of hydrogen projects. Through experience gained in international initiatives, the company contributes to positioning EASTGATEH2V as a model Hydrogen Valley for other regions in Central and Eastern Europe.
More about ECUBES: https://ecubes.si/
Leader in applied research and technology transfer
Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft is Europe’s largest organisation for applied research. Headquartered in Munich, it bridges scientific excellence with real-world application, transforming research results into practical solutions for industry, public authorities and society.
The organisation brings together a broad network of research institutes and facilities across Germany, covering a wide range of technological fields including energy systems, hydrogen technologies, materials, digitalisation and integrated system solutions. Close cooperation with industry and public institutions enables Fraunhofer to accelerate innovation and deliver measurable impact.
Fraunhofer has extensive experience in European research and innovation programmes and plays a key role in linking research, technology development and regional strategic growth.
Role of Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft in the EASTGATEH2V project
Within the EASTGATEH2V project, Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft acts as an expert research partner. It contributes strong analytical, research and methodological capabilities to support the development and long-term sustainability of the Hydrogen Valley.
Fraunhofer helps connect research with practical implementation of hydrogen solutions, supports knowledge exchange among partners and strengthens the European dimension of cooperation in clean technologies. Its involvement enhances the scientific quality of project outcomes and positions EASTGATEH2V within a broader European innovation ecosystem.
More about Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft: https://www.fraunhofer.de/en.html
Expert in hydrogen projects and Hydrogen Valley development
HyEnergy® is an independent UK-based consultancy specialising in hydrogen and energy communities, with more than 50 years of combined experience across the global hydrogen and renewable energy sectors. Founded in 2014, the company was established to address the need for a commercially focused and practical approach to hydrogen project development.
HyEnergy® provides independent expert guidance across the entire hydrogen value chain, including production, storage, distribution and end use in transport, industry and energy systems. Its core objective is to ensure that hydrogen systems and technologies achieve real-world deployment, are cost-effective, and can compete with conventional fossil-based solutions.
The company has extensive experience in European research and innovation programmes and has played a significant role in the development of several pioneering Hydrogen Valley initiatives. HyEnergy® contributed to the preparation and successful funding of HEAVENN, the world’s first Hydrogen Valley, Green Hysland in Mallorca, and SH2AMROCK, Ireland’s first Hydrogen Valley.
Role of HyEnergy® in the EASTGATEH2V project
Within EASTGATEH2V, HyEnergy® participates as an expert partner, bringing practical know-how from the design and implementation of Hydrogen Valleys across Europe.
In the project, HyEnergy®:
The involvement of HyEnergy® enhances the feasibility, scalability and long-term sustainability of the EASTGATEH2V project.
Contribution to the Hydrogen Valley
HyEnergy® brings a unique combination of technical, strategic and commercial expertise, supporting the transition from concept to implementation. Drawing on experience from multiple European Hydrogen Valleys, the company helps ensure that the Košice Hydrogen Valley is functional, economically viable and future-proof.
Through its contribution, HyEnergy® supports the positioning of EASTGATEH2V as a credible and replicable Hydrogen Valley model for other regions in Central and Eastern Europe.
More about HyEnergy®: https://hy-energy.co.uk/
Hydrogen Architects (H2A) participates in EASTGATEH2V as an expert partner with experience from European Hydrogen Valleys.
They are part of the Deployment Advisory Group (DAG), a group supporting the preparation and safe deployment of the hydrogen ecosystem.
Their role is to help ensure that EASTGATEH2V is well prepared, safe and scalable.
Expert organisation in hydrogen technologies and Hydrogen Valley replication
Aragón Hydrogen Foundation (FHA) is a non-profit organisation based in the Aragón region of Spain, dedicated to promoting hydrogen as a key energy vector for the energy transition. Established in 2003 with the support of regional authorities, industry and research actors, FHA has become one of Europe’s most experienced institutions in the development, testing and deployment of hydrogen technologies.
FHA combines applied research, technical validation and strategic advisory services. Its activities span the full hydrogen value chain, including renewable hydrogen production, storage, distribution, safety, digital simulation and end-use applications in transport, industry and energy systems.
The foundation operates its own testing and validation facilities and supports public authorities and companies in transforming hydrogen innovation into safe, reliable and economically viable solutions.
With participation in numerous national and European projects funded under Horizon Europe and the Clean Hydrogen Partnership, FHA has developed deep expertise in Hydrogen Valleys. It has contributed to pioneering initiatives such as BIG HIT, HEAVENN, Green Hysland, NAHV and SH2AMROCK, helping to establish methodologies for large-scale, integrated hydrogen ecosystems across Europe.
Role of Aragón Hydrogen Foundation in the EASTGATEH2V project
Within EASTGATEH2V, Aragón Hydrogen Foundation acts as an expert partner with a leading role in European replication and know-how integration. FHA supports the structured transfer of experience from existing Hydrogen Valleys to new regions, with a strong focus on Central and Eastern Europe.
In the project, FHA:
Through close cooperation with research organisations, regional authorities and project partners, FHA ensures that replication activities are technically sound, realistic and aligned with European policy and market frameworks.
Contribution to the Hydrogen Valley
Aragón Hydrogen Foundation provides EASTGATEH2V with a strong bridge between experience and future deployment. By transferring tested methodologies, technical expertise and strategic insight from established Hydrogen Valleys, FHA helps ensure that the Košice Hydrogen Valley is scalable, transferable and future-oriented.
Its contribution strengthens the positioning of EASTGATEH2V as a reference Hydrogen Valley for Central and Eastern Europe and supports long-term cooperation between regions working towards a clean, hydrogen-based energy system.
More about Aragón Hydrogen Foundation:
https://hidrogenoaragon.org
