site.btaTransport and Communications Ministry Hosts Roundtable on Hydrogen Elecrtomobility

Bulgaria's Ministry of Transport and Communications on Tuesday hosted a roundtable in connection with a Hydrogen Electromobility Roadshow initiated by the Bulgarian Hydrogen, Fuel Cell and Energy Storage Association (BGH2A) (June 16-26).

"We strongly support the development of mobility alternatives, and I am glad that we provide a platform for environment-friendly technological solutions," Deputy Transport and Communications Minister Dimitar Nedyalkov said, opening the roundtable.  

"Hydrogen electric transport can undergo accelerated development given a strong institutional support," Nedyalkov said further.

Bulgaria uses 5% of the hydrogen produced in Europe but mainly in the chemical industry. There are pilot projects for vehicles for public transport and garbage collection and for the setting up of a centre of excellence, said BGH2A President Daria Vladikova. She added that the ambition is to set up a hydrogen rail valley along the Septemvri - Dobrinishte route.

According to data of the Association, there are 2,000 hydrogen-powered automobiles and 500 buses. More than 50 orders for trains have been made. A steep increase in the number of hydrogen-powered vehicles is expected by 2030, with 1.2 million passenger cars of this type on the road.

The participants in the roundtable, who represented the Ministry of Innovation and Growth, the Electricity System Operator, branch organizations and the business community, concurred on the need of an update of the regulatory framework on hydrogen electromobility.