Bulgaria is actively developing its hydrogen economy and strengthening cooperation with South Africa in the fields of education, science, and technology. The country is determined to build the entire value chain in the hydrogen sector – from production to local distribution and application.
At Trakia University in Stara Zagora, a Center of Excellence in Hydrogen Technologies (H2START) is being established, offering doctoral programs, research internships, and joint scientific studies. In partnership with European institutions, a master’s program in hydrogen technologies is being developed, and through the ‘Teach the Teacher’ initiative, effective implementation of educational programs is ensured.
Trakia University is also participating in the pan-European project European Hydrogen Academy, which is creating two educational networks – one for schools and one for universities. The project involves the development of textbooks for universities and teaching materials for schools, along with teacher training. The networks now include the first institutions from Namibia and South Africa. The Embassy of Bulgaria in South Africa is supporting the expansion of this participation.
More details can be found in an interview with the Bulgarian Ambassador to South Africa, Maria Pavlova, and Prof. DSc Darina Vladikova, a member of the Institute for Sustainable Transition and Development at Trakia University and the Institute of Electrochemistry and Energy Systems at the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, at the following link:
https://www.engineeringnews.co.za/article/bulgaria-keen-on-hydrogen-collaboration-offering-education-opportunity-right-away-2025-06-04