Slovakia is facing life as an independent country following its decision to strike out on its own after the overthrow of communism ten years ago. As a result, the country is investing in the latest industrial equipment to grow and develop, but one of Slovakia's most important assets is virtually invisible.

Beneath the fields runs the backbone of the country's economy – one of the world's largest and longest gas pipelines, capable of carrying 12 million cubic metres of gas per hour across vast distances.

Huge amounts of gas, produced thousands of miles away from as far afield as Siberia, surge through the Slovakian pipeline on the way to eager customers across Europe and as far south as Italy. The gas enters through four pipes in eastern Slovakia and, 450 kilometres later, leaves the country in the west with the pipes going their separate ways, two northwards and the others to the south to serve a variety of markets.

Breaking up the journey are four impressive compressor stations, rising from the landscape to offer a backdrop of shiny metal and intricate pipework. These are situated along the length of the pipeline, providing power to relentlessly propel the gas onwards to its final destination.

Mountainous ranges border large flat plains and temperatures swing wildly from one extreme to the other. Summer temperatures can regularly be as high as 28°C, while winters can plummet to as low as minus 25°C, variations posing particular challenges to pipeline operations. The compression systems are designed to withstand temperature fluctuations to offer a reliable source of power, a vital consideration for a pumping operation working around the clock.

Two of the most modern stations, symbols of the Slovakian drive towards a modern industrial climate able to compete with its neighbours, are powered by a total of five Rolls-Royce compression systems with RB211 gas generators for the Government-owned Slovtransgaz.

The RB211s are fitted with Dry Low Emissions combustors and Slovtransgaz can proudly boast that its operations are among the ‘greenest’ in the region – a key point in Slovakia’s bid to join the top table of European nations.

The most easterly of the four compressor stations, and close to the border with Ukraine, is situated at Velke Kapusany, a small industrial town 75 minutes’ drive from Kosice and set amid spectacular scenery. Three Rolls-Royce compression systems are in operation at the site, to replace ageing equipment and to handle the anticipated future growth in gas movements through the pipelines.

Along the pipeline from Velke Kapusany are two further Rolls-Royce powered units based at Jablonov, 45 minutes from Kosice. Though it uses the same power systems, the setting for Jablonov differs greatly from Velke Kapusany.

The Jablonov compressor station nestles in a beautiful wooded valley and, in spite of its size, careful planning has enabled the station to merge satisfactorily within the attractive setting.

In supplying this gas, Slovakia has developed relationships with customers in many other parts of the world. These are big international contracts that have helped Slovakia to develop a good name and strong trading links.

Furthermore, standing next to the compressor stations at Velke Kapusany and Jablonov are row upon row of commercial greenhouses. Waste heat from the Velke Kapusany station is already used to provide warmth for greenhouses, which use it to help to grow tomatoes and flowers, further boosting the local economy.