Velina Kozareva, “Policies and Projects” Expert at the Bulgarian Hydrogen, Fuel Cell and Energy Storage Association (BGH2A), delivered a lecture entitled “Green Hydrogen: Opportunities and Challenges for Deployment” during the Net-Zero Lab Decarbonization Academy, held in Sofia on 6–7 February 2026.
The event, organised as part of the Net-Zero Lab initiative (“Turning Climate Neutrality Targets into Knowledge-Based Reality”), brought together researchers, industry professionals, and policymakers to discuss practical approaches to decarbonising key economic sectors.
Why decarbonisation requires more than electrification
In the lecture, decarbonisation was presented as a systematic process of reducing and ultimately eliminating greenhouse gas emissions—primarily carbon dioxide (CO₂)—from economic activities. It was emphasised that despite the key role of renewable energy sources (RES) in the energy transition, direct electrification is not sufficient for all sectors. Energy-intensive industries, long-distance transport, and long-term energy storage applications require complementary technologies—and this is precisely where hydrogen, and in particular renewable (“green”) hydrogen, emerges as an important tool for the transition.
Green hydrogen: from concept to industrial application
Velina Kozareva presented green (renewable) hydrogen as hydrogen produced through water electrolysis using electricity from renewable energy sources. The lecture covered the three main electrolysis technologies—alkaline, PEM, and solid oxide (SOEC)—and explored a wide range of applications: decarbonisation of refineries, ammonia and fertiliser production, the chemical industry, as well as roles in the energy sector related to storage and sector integration (energy, transport, and industry).
Special attention was given to hydrogen safety—existing standards and the growing need for robust safety frameworks as hydrogen applications expand into new markets and end users.
European regulatory framework and potential for Bulgaria
The presentation outlined the European framework supporting decarbonisation and hydrogen development, including the European Green Deal, Fit for 55, RED III, and the European Climate Law, as well as the “Hydrogen and Decarbonised Gas Market Package.” Emphasis was placed on the transposition of RED III in Bulgaria and the potential it unlocks: developing new industries and value chains, attracting investments in renewable energy and hydrogen technologies, creating high-skilled jobs, and decarbonising key industrial sectors.
H2START: an example of good practice
The H2START initiative was presented as a strategic example of how Bulgaria and Southeast Europe can build capacity in hydrogen technologies. Funded under the Horizon Europe programme (Grant Agreement 101136692), H2START supports the establishment of a Centre of Excellence in hydrogen technologies in Stara Zagora by combining state-of-the-art laboratories, training programmes, and partnerships with industry.
The lecture concluded with a look to the future: green hydrogen is emerging not only as a tool for decarbonisation, but also as an opportunity for economic development, innovation, and a sustainable future for Bulgaria, including through new demand for specialists in engineering, chemistry, IT, and related fields.
The H2START project is funded by the European Union under the Horizon Europe programme (Project 101136692).
