The three-day international conference “Science and Practice in Innovative Materials and Green Technologies for Sustainable Development” has officially begun. Funded by the European Union and organized by the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences and the Scientific and Innovation Council (NIS-1) under the National Recovery and Resilience Plan, the event brings together researchers, experts, and industry representatives to discuss key topics related to the future of energy and sustainable technologies.
The first day’s highlights included discussions on green hydrogen production and biomass utilization within the framework of the European Green Deal and the REPowerEU initiative – both aiming to accelerate the energy transition, reduce dependence on fossil fuels, and promote a circular economy. Presentations also focused on innovative catalysts and materials for hydrogen production through electrolysis, as well as new technologies to improve the efficiency of electrolyzers and fuel cells.
The Bulgarian Hydrogen, Fuel Cell and Energy Storage Association (BGH2A) took an active part in the conference. Velina Kozareva, Policy and Projects Expert at BGH2A, joined the panel discussion “How to Make Green Hydrogen More Attractive for Business and Industry.” She emphasized that, in addition to subsidies and tax incentives, green hydrogen can become more competitive through mechanisms such as Contracts for Difference (CfDs), which ensure price stability, and Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs). Such measures are particularly useful in the early stages of market development to stimulate demand for green hydrogen.
Other key topics discussed during the conference included the global battery market and trends toward more sustainable energy storage solutions, where hydrogen plays an increasingly important role. The issue of nanosafety in green hydrogen production was also addressed – a topic of growing importance given the rapid pace of technological advancement in the field.
