H2START’s core message at EFCH2 2025 is clear: large-scale deployment of hydrogen technologies is a crucial next step in the energy transition, and Bulgaria is well-positioned to take an active role. With modern infrastructure, accumulated expertise, and strategic international partnerships, H2START provides a pathway for the rapid and efficient tackling of medium-term challenges associated with hydrogen adoption.
The conference highlighted several technological trends relevant to the Centre of Excellence in Stara Zagora. Transportation stands out as the first sector where hydrogen produced from renewable energy can be deployed quickly and cost-effectively. H2START places the application of hydrogen in transport as one of its principal pillars.
Building a functioning “hydrogen valley” in Bulgaria requires achieving a minimum critical mass across the entire value chain. That means linking producers, local expertise, and end users — partnerships H2START expects to forge through conferences, pilot projects, and international contacts.
Among the region’s most important challenges are the infrastructure for hydrogen transport and storage, including options for injecting hydrogen into the gas transmission network. The planned scientific infrastructure of H2START will enable practical answers to national and regional questions — from designing transmission and distribution networks to safe storage solutions and economic feasibility.
Ultimately, H2START aims to be a key instrument in meeting the EU’s climate neutrality goals by 2050. Establishing a Centre of Excellence in one of Bulgaria’s transition-critical regions will support the transformation of the country’s energy and industrial sectors and accelerate the deployment of practical, scalable hydrogen solutions.
EFCH2 2025: European Fuel Cells and Hydrogen “Piero Lunghi” Conference
EFCH2 2025 is the 11th edition of the premier interdisciplinary forum on hydrogen and fuel cell technologies, taking place 17–19 September 2025 in Capri, Italy. It brings together academics, industry professionals, policymakers, and public-sector representatives to share cutting-edge R&D, emerging applications, and strategies for decarbonization through hydrogen and fuel cells.
Conference Overview:
The European Fuel Cells and Hydrogen Piero Lunghi Conference 2025 (EFCH2 2025) offers:
- State-of-the-art updates on short, medium, and long-term R&D efforts in hydrogen production, storage, and fuel cells.
- Identification of emerging applications across transportation, stationary power, industrial processes, and energy storage.
- Analysis of policy frameworks and international agreements driving adoption and infrastructure development.
- Pathways to decarbonization, focusing on hydrogen’s role in achieving net-zero targets and climate goals.
Themes and Topics:
Presentations and posters will cover, but are not limited to:
- Electrocatalysis and novel materials for fuel cells
- Electrolyzers and hydrogen production techniques
- Fuel cell system integration and diagnostics
- Hydrogen storage solutions (metal hydrides, chemical carriers)
- Power-to-gas and sector-coupling applications
- Safety, standards, and lifecycle assessments
- Market deployment, business models, and policy incentives
https://www.europeanfuelcells.com/