BGH2A Calls on State Institutions to Support the Future of Hydrogen Technologies in Bulgaria
Bulgaria has a strategic opportunity to take a leading position in the development of the European hydrogen economy. To make this happen, the country needs a clear national position, active institutional support, and targeted financial resources for hydrogen technologies, infrastructure, research, and industrial investment.
The Bulgarian Hydrogen, Fuel Cell and Energy Storage Association calls on state institutions and the competent ministries to adopt an active national position in support of European funding for hydrogen technologies.
In the coming months, decisions will be taken at European level that will shape the development of the hydrogen economy in the European Union for the 2028–2034 period. One of the key issues is the future of the Clean Hydrogen Joint Undertaking – the main European instrument for financing research, innovation, demonstration projects, and technological development in the hydrogen sector.
For Bulgaria, this process is of strategic importance. The country has significant potential to become an active participant in the future European hydrogen economy – through its renewable energy resources, existing gas transmission infrastructure, geographic position in Southeast Europe, and the opportunity to participate in the development of the Southeast European Hydrogen Corridor.
Hydrogen technologies are not only a tool for decarbonisation. They are also an opportunity to build a new high-value-added industry, attract investment, develop manufacturing capacity, create highly skilled jobs, and strengthen the competitiveness of the Bulgarian economy.
That is why BGH2A calls on state institutions and ministries to support, at European level, the continuation of the clean hydrogen partnership as a standalone strategic instrument with a clearly identifiable budget and governance structure.
The Association urges Bulgaria to defend its interests in the negotiations on the future EU Multiannual Financial Framework for 2028–2034, so that the country can secure real access to European instruments for research, innovation, industrial scale-up, and the development of hydrogen infrastructure.
Alongside European funding, national co-financing is also needed. Without targeted national financial resources, Bulgaria risks remaining on the sidelines of the processes that will determine Europe’s industrial and energy development over the next decade.
BGH2A calls for the creation of national mechanisms to support pilot and demonstration projects, research activities, industrial applications, and the development of hydrogen infrastructure. Such an approach would enable Bulgaria to attract more private investment and make full use of future European programmes.
The scale of the European hydrogen ecosystem is already significant: according to data from the BGH2A map, 799 hydrogen projects have been identified under Horizon Europe, with a total EU contribution of more than EUR 3.33 billion, of which 743 are active. This shows that hydrogen technologies are already a real scientific, industrial, and investment direction in Europe. For Bulgaria, participation in this network means access to partnerships, expertise, pilot projects, technology transfer, and opportunities for Bulgarian research organisations, companies, and institutions to become more actively involved in the future European hydrogen economy. The project map can be viewed here: Hydrogen Projects under Horizon Europe.
It is particularly important to develop a clear national position through dialogue between state institutions, business, the research community, and the non-governmental sector. This is the only way for Bulgaria to actively participate in European decision-making, rather than adapt to it with delay.
BGH2A stands ready to provide expert input, analyses, and proposals, and to take part in this process in the interest of Bulgaria, Bulgarian industry, the research community, and European energy policy.
Building a clean hydrogen economy requires timely decisions, coordination, and political will. Today, Bulgaria has the opportunity to take an active position. This opportunity must not be missed.
