site.btaCentre of Excellence for Renewable Hydrogen Production to Be Established in Stara Zagora

A Centre of Excellence for renewable hydrogen production will be established in Stara Zagora (South Central Bulgaria) within the H2START project, which was launched on Friday. The Centre's purpose will be to promote the development of innovative technology for clean hydrogen production and use.

Cooperating within the H2START project are Trakia University in Stara Zagora, the Bulgarian Hydrogen, Fuel Cell and Energy Storage Association, Politecnico di Torino, and Italy's Nicola Giordano Institute of Advanced Technologies for Energy. The project is funded with EUR 15 million under the Horizon Europe Programme and national co-financing.

Speaking at Friday's event, Energy Minister Zhecho Stankov said that green hydrogen is at the centre of energy transformation. With its climate potential of 1,400-1,800 hours of sun a year, Bulgaria has excellent conditions for competitive production of green hydrogen, which is a key element of the transition to clear energy, he noted, as quoted by his Ministry's press centre.

Minister Stankov went on to say that in addition to production, Bulgaria has excellent conditions for transporting green hydrogen through the infrastructure available. In the coming years, Bulgaria could become one of the main exporters of green hydrogen in Europe. The Danube River could serve as a natural route, he added.

Through the plans for transition of coal regions, the Government will support financially centres of excellence such as that of the H2START project, the Energy Minister also said.