Slovenia has assumed a central role in European defence innovation by coordinating SENTINEL, a €57 million project dedicated to advancing sustainable energy solutions for military camps. Officially approved under the European Defence Fund (EDF), the project aims to reduce dependence on fossil fuels while increasing the operational autonomy, resilience and efficiency of military bases throughout the European Union.
Energy security has become an increasingly important component of defence policy, as modern military operations rely heavily on stable and secure energy supplies. Recent geopolitical tensions and supply chain disruptions have underscored the risks of relying on conventional fuel logistics.
In response, SENTINEL will develop so-called “smart camps” that integrate renewable energy sources, energy storage systems and intelligent management technologies to ensure continuity of operations even in demanding or remote environments.
The project will be led by TECES, Slovenia’s innovation cluster for green technologies, with coordination by the Slovenian Ministry of Defence. Slovenian partners will receive €4.7 million in EDF funding. Importantly, the smart camp concept is designed with dual-use potential, allowing the infrastructure to be deployed for civilian purposes as well, including emergency accommodation during natural disasters or humanitarian crises. Alongside SENTINEL, Slovenia has also approved several national defence projects, signalling a broader strategic push toward technologically advanced and energy-efficient defence capabilities.
