Bulgaria’s Ministry of Innovation and the European Commission’s Clean Hydrogen Partnership have agreed to collaborate on green hydrogen initiatives, as announced by the ministry on Tuesday.
According to a press release from the ministry, the memorandum aims to establish a partnership framework involving European programs that promote emerging technologies, including hydrogen. This collaboration aims to enhance the involvement of Bulgarian companies and scientific institutions in funding competitions for research and demonstration projects under the Clean Hydrogen Joint Undertaking.
Deputy Minister of Innovation Veselina Mincheva emphasized the significance of partnerships in developing the hydrogen economy and supporting the transition to a sustainable economy. She highlighted their critical role in fostering innovation, maintaining future competitiveness, boosting economic growth, and creating new employment opportunities.
With support from the Clean Hydrogen Partnership and the Scientific Research, Innovation and Digitisation for Smart Transformation program, Bulgaria plans to inaugurate its first hydrogen valley – the Zagora Sustainable Hydrogen Region (ZAHYR) near Stara Zagora and the Maritsa basin. This initiative aims to establish a sustainable hydrogen economy in the Stara Zagora region and nationwide.
Established in 2021, the Clean Hydrogen Joint Undertaking is a public-private partnership dedicated to advancing research and innovation in hydrogen technologies across Europe. Its goals include strengthening the European value chain for clean hydrogen technologies, enhancing competitiveness, and accelerating the market deployment of innovative clean solutions, especially for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
