From 5–7 May 2026, TECES and the Slovenian Energy and Environment Partnership in Defence (SiEnE) actively participated in the 1st CF SEDSS IV Energy Technology Solutions (ETS) Conference and Onsite Exhibition in Nicosia, Cyprus - one of Europe’s leading events dedicated to sustainable energy, resilience, and innovation in the defence and security sector.

Organised by the European Defence Agency (EDA) under the Consultation Forum for Sustainable Energy in the Defence and Security Sector (CF SEDSS Phase IV) initiative, the event gathered more than 180 representatives of Ministries of Defence, armed forces, research organisations, industry, and EU institutions from across Europe.

TECES, SiEnE, and Slovenian industry representatives contributed to expert discussions, panel sessions, and the exhibition programme, showcasing advanced Slovenian energy and dual-use technologies for the defence sector.

Conference Highlights and TECES Contribution

A key focus of the conference was the integration of mature, civil-sector-tested technologies into defence applications, with particular emphasis on artificial intelligence, secure data management, energy resilience, and sustainable infrastructure and building stock.

TECES and SiEnE actively contributed to the conference programme, further strengthening Slovenia’s visibility within the European defence energy community. A particular highlight was the participation of Matej Gajzer, Managing Director of TECES and President of SiEnE, as a panellist in the discussion “Financing Europe’s energy transition: Bridging defence, industry and EU funding instruments”, focusing on financing energy innovation, dual-use technologies, and resilient energy solutions for the defence sector.

During the discussion, Matej Gajzer highlighted the importance of continuous engagement within the European defence ecosystem: “Participation at events such as CF SEDSS is essential for building long-term partnerships and understanding the real challenges faced by Ministries of Defence and armed forces. This direct engagement allows us to shape relevant projects and innovative solutions that address actual operational needs while supporting Europe’s energy resilience and strategic autonomy.”

Slovenian Innovations Attracted the Attention of the European Defence Community

A major focus of this year’s participation was the onsite exhibition, where TECES | SiEnE, together with Slovenian partners REM and Kolektor Sisteh, showcased advanced Slovenian energy technologies and innovative dual-use solutions.   The TECES | SiEnE exhibition area attracted strong interest from visitors and high-level representatives of the European Defence Agency, including Anders Sjöborg, Deputy Chief Executive of EDA, and Maja Kuzel, EDA Policy Officer Energy and CF SEDSS IV Project Manager. Visitors particularly recognised the technological maturity, interoperability, and integrated approach of the showcased Slovenian solutions, combining energy resilience, modular infrastructure, circular solutions, and sustainable deployment concepts.

As part of the Company Pitches programme and exhibition, both REM and Kolektor Sisteh presented their technologies and solutions to the international defence, research, and industrial community, highlighting the growing international relevance of Slovenian dual-use innovations and sustainable infrastructure solutions.

Reflecting on the importance of participation within the TECES | SiEnE delegation, Marko Mandelj from Kolektor Sisteh emphasised the value of direct engagement with international stakeholders and insight into emerging market needs: “We are very satisfied with the organisation and the results of our participation within the SiEnE partnership at the EDA CF SEDSS conference and exhibition. Such events provide valuable market insights and help us better understand the needs of both defence and civil users.”

Similarly, Dr. David Močnik from REM highlighted the opportunity to showcase advanced Slovenian modular solutions and strengthen cooperation with key European partners: “Participation at the CF SEDSS IV conference and exhibition represented an important opportunity to present advanced modular solutions and next-generation units developed within the MODEL+ and MODEL2 projects, while also strengthening connections with European defence and research stakeholders.”

Strong Interest in Slovenian Projects

Particular interest was expressed in the REWATER project, the SENTINEL project, which was also presented at the exhibition stand, and the modular living units developed within the E+ZERO and MODEL2 projects, especially regarding their applicability in remote and difficult-to-access operational environments. Coordinated by TECES, SENTINEL attracted considerable attention from visitors from various countries, brought together 41 partners from 16 EU Member States, and was recognised as one of the prominent collaborative initiatives within the European defence landscape.

Among the event's interesting discussions was also a proposal for a future study on the use of wood as a construction material for defence infrastructure, reflecting the growing European interest in sustainable, rapidly deployable construction solutions.

The event represented an important opportunity for TECES, the SiEnE partnership, Slovenian industry, and research organisations to strengthen international visibility, establish new partnerships, and further position Slovenia within the European defence energy ecosystem.