Can today’s gas infrastructure become part of tomorrow’s hydrogen economy?
That question is becoming increasingly important for South-East Europe and a new strategic partnership between the H2START Centre of Excellence for Hydrogen Technologies – Trakia University and the Bulgarian Natural Gas Association aims to help shape the answer.
Preparing existing networks for hydrogen
A major focus of the cooperation will be the integration of hydrogen into future energy systems, including:
- blending hydrogen with natural gas
- hydrogen transmission through existing gas infrastructure
- fuel cells and cogeneration systems
- research and innovation across the hydrogen value chain
- education, qualification and reskilling for the gas-hydrogen sector
As the South-Eastern Hydrogen Corridor advances, the role of gas infrastructure in transporting hydrogen across the region is becoming a strategic topic for both industry and policymakers. In this context, the partnership creates a framework for connecting scientific research with the practical challenges of future hydrogen transport and deployment.
Linking research, infrastructure, and industry
The cooperation will also support:
- joint national and European projects
- training and specialist education
- opportunities for doctoral students, postdoctoral researchers, and young professionals
- closer collaboration between academia, industry, and energy stakeholders
For H2START, the agreement is a concrete step forward towards building a broader hydrogen ecosystem around the future Centre of Excellence for Hydrogen Technologies at Trakia University — one that connects research, infrastructure, industrial know-how, and real-world hydrogen applications in Bulgaria and South-East Europe. The partnership with the Bulgarian Natural Gas Association strengthens the role of the Centre as a place where hydrogen solutions can move beyond the laboratory and closer to real integration into energy and transport systems.