BGH2A Partners in the H2START Project to Boost Hydrogen Education, Research, and Industry Partnerships

Bulgaria is set to become a regional leader in hydrogen technology with the launch of H2START, a pioneering project funded under the Horizon Europe Programme. The initiative aims to establish a Centre of Excellence in Hydrogen Technologies in Stara Zagora, strengthening scientific collaboration and industry partnerships.

H2START is a TEAMING project between Trakia University (Bulgaria) and the Bulgarian Hydrogen, Fuel Cell, and Energy Storage Association (BGH2A, Bulgaria) with advanced partners from the Polytechnic University of Turin (POLITO, Italy), and the Institute for Advanced Energy Technologies “Nicola Giordano” (CNR ITAE, Italy). As the first of its kind in Bulgaria and Southeast Europe, the Center is expected to attract and educate top researchers as well as companies investing in hydrogen technology.

OFFICIAL H2START LAUNCH: MARCH 14, 2025

On March 14, 2025, the official launch of H2START took place at the Sredets Hall in the Sofia Balkan Palace Hotel. The event featured a project presentation by Prof. Daria Vladikova, the H2START scientific coordinator, welcome remarks from distinguished guests, and a high-level international discussion. Prof. Vladikova highlighted the project’s core goals, emphasizing international cooperation and close industry involvement in the technical development phase.

EUROPEAN SUPPORT FOR HYDROGEN INNOVATION

European Commissioner for Startups, Research, and Innovation, Ekaterina Zakharieva, delivered a video message, praising H2START’s potential to drive innovation. She emphasized the project’s role in advancing hydrogen research by providing state-of-the-art laboratories and enhancing the skills of future specialists. Zakharieva also underscored the Center’s contribution to strengthening higher education capacity and preparing young Bulgarian professionals for the green economy.

GOVERNMENT BACKING FOR HYDROGEN DEVELOPMENT

Education Minister Krasimir Valchev reaffirmed the government’s commitment to supporting H2START, recognizing Stara Zagora as a key technological hub. He stressed the need for technical workforce development and pledged to enhance STEM education in Bulgaria.

Energy Minister Jecho Stankov highlighted green hydrogen as a pillar of Europe’s clean energy transition, emphasizing its role in reducing emissions and ensuring energy independence.

Deputy Minister of Innovation and Growth, Professor Georgi Angelov, stated that Bulgaria has a clear hydrogen development strategy, with H2START serving as a flagship project. He identified Stara Zagora as a natural choice for such an initiative, given its strong industrial and research potential.

ACADEMIC AND INDUSTRY LEADERS DISCUSS HYDROGEN FUTURE

Professor Dobri Yarkov, Rector of Trakia University, outlined the university’s commitment to hydrogen education. He noted that the university already offers programs in digital and green technologies, preparing the next generation of hydrogen engineers. He stressed the importance of a multidisciplinary approach, integrating physics, chemistry, management, economics, and policy studies.

A panel discussion on Bulgaria’s hydrogen future followed, featuring leading experts:

Professor Luigi Crema, President of Hydrogen Europe Research, stressed that hydrogen is a key pillar for Europe’s energy and industrial sectors. He called for simultaneous progress in research, energy applications, and industrialization.

Professor Mariacchiara Zanetti, Vice-Rector of the Polytechnic University of Turin, emphasized the need to align global policies with industry demands to boost Europe’s competitiveness.

Julian Popov, Senior Fellow at Strategic Perspectives and Former Bulgarian Minister of Environment, highlighted the growing investment potential in Stara Zagora, stating that H2START could ignite a regional hydrogen revolution.

Ivan Popov, Executive Director of the “Programme for Education” Executive Agency, noted Bulgaria’s significant investment in research infrastructure. He confirmed that the country has already built six Centers of Excellence and ten Competence Centers, with H2START poised to integrate into European hydrogen networks.

H2START: A Novel Ecosystem for Hydrogen Innovation

Professor Daria Vladikova concluded by outlining the long-term vision for H2START as a catalyst for research, innovation, and industry partnerships. She envisions the Center as an ecosystem for groundbreaking hydrogen projects, driving Bulgaria’s transition to clean energy.

Why it matters

H2START marks a significant step forward for Bulgaria’s hydrogen innovation ecosystem, promising to position the country at the forefront of Europe’s green energy transformation. With strong government, academic, and industry backing, the Center of Excellence in Stara Zagora is set to become a key player in sustainable energy and technological advancement, job creation, and hydrogen education.