South African students, researchers, and institutions are invited to join H2START’s international hydrogen network
Science Without Borders
What does hydrogen cooperation between Bulgaria and South Africa look like? For H2START, it starts with a simple invitation—and a lot of shared potential.
In a recent Mining Weekly interview, Prof. Dr. Daria Vladikova, H2START’s Scientific Coordinator, and Ambassador Maria Pavlova, Bulgaria’s representative in South Africa, outlined real opportunities for collaboration. These include student exchanges, joint research, and participation in Bulgaria’s emerging hydrogen projects.
“We are enthusiastic about establishing collaboration on hydrogen with stakeholders from South Africa and are fully prepared to initiate cooperation right away.”
— Prof. Daria Vladikova
The invitation reflects H2START’s belief that global partnerships are essential to building a smarter, cleaner energy future.
Why South Africa? Why Now?
South Africa brings exciting human potential and access to key raw materials. Those include platinum group metals—key components in PEM electrolysis, the technology used in Bulgaria’s ZAHYR Valley hydrogen project, also based in Stara Zagora. Bulgaria offers growing hydrogen expertise, ambitious research infrastructure, and strategic potential in the European hydrogen landscape. Together, the two countries have what it takes to turn shared goals into practical progress.
Built for Impact
H2START aims to play a key role of Bulgaria’s hydrogen journey, spearheading R&I in the country. It connects labs, industry, universities, and policymakers—and helps turn ideas into applied solutions.
According to Bulgaria’s National Hydrogen Roadmap:
- 60% of the country’s hydrogen will be used at home—in transport, industry, and power.
- The other 40% is intended for export through the EU’s Southeast Hydrogen Corridor, placing Bulgaria in a key position on Europe’s hydrogen map.
H2START supports this vision not just through technology—but by building the connections that make it work.
Training the Next Generation
Hydrogen progress isn’t just about hardware—it’s about people. It’s estimated that by 2030, Europe will need 180,000 skilled professionals to support the hydrogen economy. That’s why H2START is investing in education now.
Trakia University – H2START’s coordinating institution – and POLITO, one of the project’s advanced partners, are already part of the European Hydrogen Academy—an initiative that aims to bring hydrogen education to life in 500 schools and 100 universities across and beyond Europe. In Africa, the project is working with a school and a university in Namibia to develop free, high-quality teaching resources for educators to bring hydrogen science into the classroom. It’s a long-term investment in skills, equity, and collaboration—starting with education.
Let’s Work Together
Are you an institution interested in research partnerships, student exchange, or joining the H2START network? Let’s talk!
To read the full interview, visit “Mining Weekly”.