The Bulgarian Hydrogen, Fuel Cells and Energy Storage Association proposes an Action Plan to update the National Hydrogen Roadmap in order to improve the conditions and unlock the potential for the development of hydrogen technologies and hydrogen production mechanisms in Bulgaria. The document has been developed within the framework of the H2START project, which supports the establishment of a Centre of Excellence in hydrogen technologies at Trakia University.
BGH2A considers the update of the National Hydrogen Roadmap a key step for positioning Bulgaria as an active participant in the European hydrogen economy. The current roadmap provides an important foundation; however, the rapid development of European legislation, the transposition of RED III targets into Bulgarian law, the emerging market for renewable and low-carbon hydrogen, and the need for accelerated industrial decarbonisation require a more concrete, measurable and investment-oriented approach.
The need for an updated national framework
Clean hydrogen has strategic importance for the decarbonisation of industry, transport, energy systems and regional infrastructure. For Bulgaria, it also creates opportunities to strengthen energy security, attract investment, develop new technology-based industries and improve the country’s position within future European hydrogen corridors.
The proposed Action Plan focuses on aligning national objectives with the European regulatory framework, including RED III, Directive (EU) 2024/1788, Regulation (EU) 2024/1789, Delegated Regulation (EU) 2025/2359, and Regulation (EU) 2023/1804 on the deployment of alternative fuels infrastructure.
BGH2A believes that Bulgaria should use its geographical position, renewable energy potential and existing energy infrastructure to become a stronger regional player in Southeastern Europe and an integral part of the future European hydrogen network.
Main proposals in the Action Plan
BGH2A proposes that the National Hydrogen Roadmap be updated through concrete measures aimed at creating a functioning market, attracting investment and accelerating the deployment of clean hydrogen technologies.
The main proposals include:
- aligning national targets with RED III, including a minimum target of 1% RFNBO in transport by 2030 and 25% renewable hydrogen in industry by 2030, increasing to 35% by 2035;
- harmonising national strategic documents and legislation with the new European framework for renewable and low-carbon hydrogen;
- updating the assessment of hydrogen demand and identifying new market niches;
- developing forecast data for production by sector, required infrastructure and related investment costs;
- introducing specific financial mechanisms and instruments for sustainable implementation;
- creating a public consultative body — a Hydrogen Council — with participation from the state, industry, energy companies, municipalities, academia and other stakeholders;
- simplifying permitting procedures, introducing clear certification standards and targeted economic incentives;
- promoting cross-border cooperation and Bulgaria’s integration into European hydrogen infrastructure initiatives;
- creating an innovation programme to support stronger participation of research teams, start-ups, industrial companies and clusters in European and national funding instruments.
National targets by 2030–2035
The Action Plan proposes specific sectoral targets that would turn the strategic framework into a practical implementation tool.
In transport, the Plan foresees the update of the regulatory framework for hydrogen refuelling stations in 2026, the deployment of pilot fleets of hydrogen vehicles, and a minimum 30% share of hydrogen technologies in ground operations at key ports and airports.
In industry, the Plan proposes the gradual replacement of conventional hydrogen with renewable and low-carbon hydrogen, together with the development of industrial hydrogen hubs in Stara Zagora, Plovdiv, Burgas and Varna–Devnya.
In innovation, education and reskilling, the document highlights the need for human capital development, practical training, applied research, pilot projects and stronger Bulgarian participation in European programmes and joint undertakings.
For production and export, the Plan outlines the possibility of installing electrolyser capacity of up to 500 MW by 2035, enabling annual production of up to 100,000 tonnes of renewable and low-carbon hydrogen, of which up to 30,000 tonnes could be directed for export through connected cross-border infrastructure.
Financing and investment readiness
BGH2A proposes the creation of a Hydrogen Bulgaria 2030 Innovation Fund, as well as a dedicated financial instrument with minimum capital of 100 million Euro by the end of 2026.
This instrument should support the development of hydrogen refuelling infrastructure, co-financing of electrolysers and industrial applications, municipal and regional hydrogen projects, and applied research and innovation activities aimed at increasing technology readiness and bringing Bulgarian scientific results into real industrial environments.
The Plan underlines that targeted financial mechanisms, predictable rules, and effective coordination between institutions, businesses, and the scientific community are essential for Bulgaria’s successful participation in the European hydrogen transition.
Bulgaria as part of the European hydrogen network
The updated National Hydrogen Roadmap should reflect the strategic importance of the Southeastern European Hydrogen Corridor and Bulgaria’s potential role as a link between production capacities, regional industrial centers, and Central European markets.
BGH2A supports coordinated development of hydrogen infrastructure with Greece, Romania, and other regional partners. This approach can contribute to energy security, industrial competitiveness, and a more balanced development of the European hydrogen economy.
Conclusion
The proposed Action Plan gives Bulgaria an opportunity to build on its existing strategic framework and move towards concrete, measurable, and implementable actions.
BGH2A is ready to contribute expertise, data, partnerships, and constructive dialogue to the update of the National Hydrogen Roadmap. The Association believes that Bulgaria has real potential to develop a functioning clean hydrogen market, attract investment, create new industrial opportunities, and establish itself as a regional factor in the European hydrogen economy.
Support the Action Plan here.
