The large-scale international project ZAHYR has been launched at the Thracian University in Stara Zagora, which envisages the construction of the first hydrogen valley in Bulgaria. The investment is worth about 16 million euros and is financed under the European Horizon Europe Clean Hydrogen program. The goal is to create a sustainable model for the production of clean hydrogen, which will serve as an ecological alternative to the declining coal-fired energy sector in the region.
The construction of a complete integrated ecosystem is planned - from the generation and storage of green fuel to its transport and industrial application. Plans indicate that the new facilities will produce up to 1,650 kilograms of clean hydrogen per day. The project is coordinated by the international consortium TERTIUS, with Thrace University taking the lead in the activities related to the production itself, implementation in the industry and training of specialized personnel for the sector.
The official start of the actual work was given today by the rector of the higher education institution. According to him, the project has undergone serious tests since 2022, including structural changes in the partner network and a period of temporary freezing. Today, however, the initiative already has a clear vision and completely sustainable goals for implementation.
Miroslav Karabaliev: “With this project, we hope to breathe new meaning into the word Zahir – as a symbol of innovation and sustainable development. I thank all partners for their perseverance and dedication.“