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H2START is a pioneering Horizon Europe Teaming project – Bulgaria’s first Centre of Excellence in clean hydrogen technologies – through top-class equipment to drive cutting-edge research, education, collaboration with industry and policymakers
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The Importance of Hydrogen in Europe’s Green Energy Transition
Hydrogen is emerging as a crucial pillar in Europe’s strategy to combat climate change and reduce reliance on fossil fuels. As an energy carrier, hydrogen can store renewable energy, ensuring a steady supply even when energy production fluctuates. It is vital for decarbonizing sectors such as heavy industry, transportation, and energy storage, which are difficult to electrify using current technologies.
Renewable hydrogen, produced using clean energy sources, is key to achieving carbon neutrality by 2050. By scaling up hydrogen production and infrastructure, Europe aims to meet its energy needs in a sustainable, secure, and independent way.
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The SET Plan: Steering Europe Toward a Sustainable Energy Future
The Strategic Energy Technology Plan (SET Plan) is a European initiative that accelerates the development of low-carbon technologies through enhanced collaboration across EU Member States, industry, and research institutions. Launched in 2007, the SET Plan has been central to Europe’s Energy Union, aiming to integrate clean energy technologies into all sectors of the economy.
The SET Plan is vital for achieving the European Green Deal and REPowerEU goals, focusing on the development and market deployment of technologies such as renewable energy, hydrogen, energy storage, and carbon capture. Its role has been amplified by recent initiatives like the Net-Zero Industry Act, which seeks to boost Europe’s clean energy manufacturing capabilities.
To learn more about the SET Plan, visit the European Commission’s SET Plan page.
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Reinforcing the SET Plan: Aligning with New EU Climate and Energy Goals
In October 2023, the European Commission introduced a revision to the SET Plan to adapt to new climate policies and accelerate the clean energy transition. The revision aims to strengthen the SET Plan’s focus on renewable energy, energy efficiency, and hydrogen while ensuring that Europe stays competitive on the global stage.
Key highlights from the revised SET Plan include:
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Increased support for hydrogen
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Stronger emphasis on digitalization
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Focus on industrial competitiveness
For more on the 2023 revision of the SET Plan, read the full document here.
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Paving the way for Bulgaria’s hydrogen future
Bulgaria’s transition to a low-carbon economy faces a challenge in replacing its coal-dependent energy sector with sustainable alternatives. The city of Stara Zagora, historically an energy production hub, is poised for transformation through the EU-funded H2START project that aims to establish a centre of excellence (CoE) for renewable hydrogen production. This initiative will position Stara Zagora as a key hydrogen valley in Europe. Supported by Trakia University and the Bulgarian Hydrogen, Fuel Cell and Energy Storage Association, and with international partners Politecnico di Torino and the Italian National Research Council, the CoE will lead research and innovation, attract talent and foster industry collaboration. This initiative promises modern infrastructure, institutional reform and skilled employment opportunities, driving Bulgaria’s clean energy transition and placing the nation at the forefront of renewable hydrogen technologies.
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