Her Excellency Kirsti Pohjankukka, Ambassador of the Republic of Finland to Bulgaria, visited Trakia University – Stara Zagora and learned more about the activities of H2START Centre of Excellence for Hydrogen Technologies. The visit provided an opportunity to discuss potential cooperation between Bulgarian and Finnish research institutions, universities, and industrial partners in the fields of hydrogen technologies and sustainable energy.
The meeting was opened by the Rector of Trakia University, Prof. Miroslav Karabaliev, who presented the university’s role in supporting the sustainable transition of the Stara Zagora region and advancing research in green technologies and future energy solutions.
“Developing hydrogen technologies is a natural part of the university’s efforts to support the sustainable transition and create new opportunities for the region,” said Prof. Karabaliev.
A key focus of the visit was H2START – Bulgaria’s first Centre of Excellence in Hydrogen Technologies, established through the project under the Horizon Europe programme.
Dr. Mariya Ivanova, H2START Technology Development Manager, presented the Centre’s vision, research priorities, and the potential of the Stara Zagora region to become a significant hub for hydrogen innovation. Special attention was given to opportunities for green hydrogen production, the development of advanced research infrastructure, and support for industry through scientific research and technological solutions.
“H2START was created to connect science, industry, and the public sector in the development of hydrogen technologies with real-world applications,” said Dr. Ivanova.
The presentation highlighted the strategic advantages of the Stara Zagora region, including the potential of reclaimed mining areas in the Maritsa East complex for renewable energy production, opportunities for hydrogen infrastructure development, and the region’s position along key European transport and energy corridors.
The H2START team also presented its portfolio of international projects and its efforts to build an innovation ecosystem that brings together research organizations, industry, public authorities, and society to support the hydrogen transition.
During the discussion, Ambassador Pohjankukka shared Finland’s experience in developing the hydrogen economy, with particular emphasis on the Oulu region, where one of the country’s leading hydrogen valleys is currently being developed. Participants explored opportunities for future cooperation between H2START and Finnish research and industrial organizations, including joint participation in European research projects, knowledge exchange, and the formation of international consortia.
“I see strong potential for future cooperation between Finnish and Bulgarian partners in the fields of hydrogen technologies and innovation,” said H.E. Kirsti Pohjankukka.
The meeting showed that international interest in H2START is growing and that new partnerships are beginning to take shape. These partnerships could help speed up the development of hydrogen technologies, clean energy solutions and a more sustainable economy.
And this is exactly why such meetings matter. They are not a polite exchange of business cards, but open doors for Stara Zagora. With the right partners, the region has the chance to become part of Europe’s clean energy future — by creating new energy solutions, attracting international cooperation, training specialists and building research infrastructure that can bring value far beyond Bulgaria.