Hydrogen is often described as one of the most promising solutions for the future of clean energy. Yet behind this simple statement lies a complex system of technologies, infrastructure, research and industrial solutions that must work together for hydrogen to become a practical part of everyday life.
This was precisely the idea behind the Hydrogen for Clean Power and Mobility Workshop, organized by Trakia University and H2START – Centre of Excellence for Hydrogen Technologies – Trakia University, Stara Zagora.
Over two days, scientists, researchers, industry representatives and public sector stakeholders from Bulgaria, France, Italy, China and the United Kingdom explored the entire hydrogen journey – from production and storage to transport, mobility and industrial applications. The program was designed to present the hydrogen value chain as an interconnected system in which every technology contributes to a larger solution.
Download the Workshop Proceedings and Book of Abstracts
Download the Hydrogen Masterclass and Keynote presentations
The workshop was opened by Prof. Miroslav Karabaliev, Rector of Trakia University, who reflected on the development of hydrogen research capacity within the university and the region.
“It is an honor for me to open this event not only as Rector, but also as a scientist and professor who participated in the processes and actions that brought us to this moment,” said Prof. Karabaliev.
The opening keynote lecture was delivered by Prof. Daria Vladikova, Executive Director of H2START, who presented the development of the hydrogen ecosystem in Stara Zagora as a story of growth, vision and transformation.
“Today I can tell a story that is no longer a dream, but a reality,” said Prof. Vladikova.
Her words captured the central message of the workshop: the development of hydrogen technologies in the region is no longer only a strategic ambition, but an ongoing process driven by research infrastructure, international partnerships, new scientific teams and industrial cooperation.
The scientific program, coordinated by Prof. Alain Thorel from Trakia University and the China-EU Institute for Clean and Renewable Energy (ICARE), covered the entire hydrogen value chain. Speakers addressed topics related to hydrogen production, geological storage, transport and distribution technologies, industrial applications, fuel cells and the challenges of bringing new technologies into real-world use.
Particular attention was given to the connection between scientific research and practical implementation with technical demonstrations from Horiba, Torino Industrial Union, and IP Taxi. Discussions focused on the pathways that transform laboratory results into working products, pilot projects and industrial solutions – one of the most important steps in the development of the hydrogen economy.
The first day of the Workshop was dedicated to a Hydrogen masterclass in which world-renowned experts covered the intricate web of technologies and issues across the hydrogen value chain:
- Why hydrogen? ID Card and Some Stunning Answers to Rarely Asked Questions – Alain THOREL | Trakia University / ICARE
- Geogenic Hydrogen and Hydrogen Geological Storage – Orlando VASELLI | University of Florence
- Hydrogen Production: Different Routes, Current Status, and Main Challenges – Julie MOUGIN | CEA
- Hydrogen Storage and Transport Technologies: Principles, Development, and Recent Progress in China – LI Song | HUST/ICARE
- General Uses of Hydrogen – Massimo SANTARELLI | Politecnico di Torino
- Bridging the Valley of Death: The Role of Proof-of-Concept Programs in Science Valorization – Emilio PAOLUCCI | Politecnico di Torino
The second day focused on technologies that go beyond the current state of the art, including green power production, fuel cells, transport decarbonization and emerging solutions for sustainable mobility. Special attention was paid to the role of hydrogen in reducing carbon emissions and supporting the development of cleaner transport systems.
One of the most practical highlights of the workshop was the demonstration of the Hyundai NEXO hydrogen fuel-cell vehicle. Participants had the opportunity to meet Mr. Ivan Ivanov from IP taxi -one of the first users of fuel cell electric cars in Bulgaria and discuss its advantages, challenges and potential.
Beyond knowledge exchange, the workshop served as a platform for creating new partnerships among universities, research organizations, industry and public institutions. This type of collaboration lies at the heart of H2START’s mission – connecting scientific research with real societal and industrial needs while supporting the development of hydrogen technologies in Bulgaria and South-East Europe.
The workshop demonstrated that building a hydrogen future does not depend on a single technology or institution. It is the result of a shared vision, international cooperation and sustained effort – step by step, from scientific discovery to real-world application.
Download the Workshop Proceedings and Book of Abstracts
Download the Hydrogen Masterclass and Keynote presentations
Stay tuned and follow H2START for full videos of the Hydrogen Masterclass.