Bulgaria is poised to make a significant stride towards sustainable energy with the Stara Zagora Hydrogen Valley project securing EUR 8.2 million in funding from the European Union (EU).
The announcement was made by Minister of Innovation and Growth, Milena Stoycheva, during the United Nations Climate Change Conference COP28 in Dubai.
The core objective of Bulgaria’s Ministry of Innovation and Growth is to facilitate a sustainable digital and green transition for businesses. Minister Stoycheva emphasized the pivotal role of renewable energy, decarbonization, and hydrogen technologies in achieving these goals. The development of a hydrogen valley concept, centered around the region of Stara Zagora, has been a key focus area supported by the European Commission.
Bulgaria aims to join the league of 20 countries worldwide with a functional hydrogen valley. Minister Stoycheva revealed that the project secured EUR 8.2 million in funding from the European Union, marking a crucial step in realizing Bulgaria’s hydrogen ambitions. The integration of hydrogen technologies is expected to play a substantial role in decarbonizing Bulgaria’s economy.
The Ministry highlighted the issuance of a national hydrogen roadmap, outlining a strategic focus on hydrogen-related initiatives. This roadmap is not only anticipated to open new business and economic opportunities but also attract fresh investments into innovative segments. The emphasis on hydrogen aligns with global efforts toward sustainable and low-carbon energy solutions.
The Hydrogen Valley concept involves creating a comprehensive value chain, covering production, storage, distribution, and consumption of hydrogen. Notably, state aid is available for green hydrogen produced through electrolysis using renewable electricity and for low-carbon hydrogen, incorporating nuclear power. However, the competitive edge of these technologies against hydrogen derived from fossil gas still relies on substantial subsidies in the European Union.
The Zagora Sustainable Hydrogen Region (ZAHYR) stands out as a notable project in Bulgaria’s hydrogen landscape. Winning a grant of EUR 8 million from Horizon Europe earlier this year, ZAHYR is a key player in the Clean Hydrogen Partnership, a public-private collaboration. Minister of Energy Rumen Radev, actively involved in the ZAHYR project’s development, signifies the government’s commitment to advancing sustainable energy in Bulgaria.
Stara Zagora, a region historically associated with coal, is undergoing a transition towards cleaner energy sources. The hydrogen project aligns with broader initiatives to steer coal regions into a greener future. In a related development, Stara Zagora’s city authority is exploring the installation of a solar power plant at a former landfill, currently undergoing rehabilitation.
