Bulgaria unveiled its newest laboratory campus in December, nestled in the heart of the “Geo Milev” district in the capital.
Part of the esteemed National Center for Mechatronics and Clean Technologies, this cutting-edge facility stands as a testament to Bulgaria’s commitment to scientific excellence in the realm of energy transition.
The primary goal of the laboratory campus is to enhance the competitiveness of the Bulgarian industry, focusing on key technological domains such as mechanics, control systems, and electromobility. By fostering scientific achievements, the center aims to contribute to the establishment of Bulgaria as a hub for innovation in clean technologies.
This state-of-the-art campus marks the third of its kind, joining counterparts in Lozenets and Student City. The ambitious project, initiated in 2018, was financed through the European Regional Development Fund as part of the OP “Science and Education for Intelligent Growth” 2014-2020. With a total value exceeding BGN 69.1 million, of which BGN 58.8 million is European aid, these laboratories are pivotal in advancing Bulgaria’s scientific and technological landscape.
The Geo Milev center boasts 20 new laboratories and 10 renovated ones, providing a conducive environment for groundbreaking research. Scientists at the campus will delve into a spectrum of research activities, including the creation of technologies for the conversion and storage of clean energy, methods for obtaining, purifying, and storing hydrogen, and catalytic and sorption technologies in energy, transport, and environmental protection.
Research endeavors also extend to the creation of new functional materials through ecological technologies and innovative methods for incorporating waste products and materials from production into other processes. These initiatives align with the evolving policies of the European Union, emphasizing the transition to a zero-net consumption economy with a focus on local renewable sources and heightened energy efficiency.
The laboratory projects unfold against the backdrop of the European Union’s broader vision for a sustainable future. As the EU prioritizes the transition to a zero net consumption economy, Bulgaria’s commitment to clean energy and technological advancements receives a boost. The funds from the Cohesion Policy, which have already invested around 8 billion euros in SMEs, clean energy transition, and infrastructure in Bulgaria during the 2014-2020 program period, underscore the collaborative efforts towards a greener and more sustainable future. The Geo Milev lab campus emerges not only as a scientific hub but as a beacon of Bulgaria’s aspirations in the realm of clean technologies and innovation.
