Bulgarian regions could receive €1.15bn funding for hydrogen development

LONDON (ICIS)–The Bulgarian Ministry of Energy and the Ministry of Regional Development and Public Works have updated the Territorial Just Transition Plans for the coal-fired power regions of Stara Zagora, Pernik, and Kyustendil.

The plans are now awaiting stakeholder approval, after which they will be sent to the European Commission for review in September.

The commission will have until the end of the year to review the plans. Should these be approved, the districts will be eligible for funding of €1.15billion.

The funding will be used to support the region’s energy transition into a low-carbon economy.

Renewable hydrogen has been identified as an important technological development, according to the plans outlined by the ministry.

The main areas covered by the Territorial Just Transition Plans include support for the creation of a hydrogen value chain, as well as the use of renewable hydrogen in the regional energy mix.

Other measures also cover the production and distribution of biomethane and wind turbine energy, resource repurposing, and support for clean technology industrial parks.

A new industrial park is planned in the Maritsa Iztok complex in the Stara Zagora province.

The plans also outline the creation of a  company tasked with the repurposing of lignite-powered regions.

The state-owned ‘Conversion of Coal Areas’ company is set to be established in 2023 and it will be charged with the repurposing of coal regions and preparation of infrastructure for new industrial activities.

The support scheme aims to attract large investors in the production of electrolyser systems, fuel cells, charging stations, and other facilities.

In line with this, the ministry published a call for expression of interest for investment by large enterprises for the finalisation of the Stara Zagora transition plan.

In line with 2030 and 2050 energy transition pathways, Bulgarian hydrogen demand is set to increase steadily by 2050 as the country seeks to become climate neutral in line with European Union targets.

ICIS Hydrogen Analytics show that by 2030, hydrogen demand in Bulgaria is set to reach 5.32TWh/year. This is set to increase to 12.50TWh/year by 2050.

A supply shortfall of 7.16TWh/year could be in place by 2050, which will need to be met through higher electrolyser production or imports.