Zagora Sustainable Hydrogen Region

Stara Zagora is a strategic logistics centre in Bulgaria and the Balkan Peninsula. It is also host to one of the biggest power production complexes in Europe (Maritsa East). This makes it the perfect location to showcase the versatility and potential of green hydrogen as means to improve air quality in the city, reduce CO2 emissions for energy production and mobility applications, and generate economic welfare. Demonstrating clean, safe, and sustainable hydrogen technology applications will improve public perception of hydrogen ecosystems and kick-start a hydrogen-based economy not only in the region but also across the country.
ZAHYR will install and demonstrate two electrolysers with a combined installed power of 5MW, to be run on green electricity produced in a new 20MW PV plant. The hydrogen produced will be used in various transport and energy applications. These include the installation of two Hydrogen Refuelling Stations to service a fleet of 10 city buses, 2 heavy transport trucks and 2 light-duty vehicles. A bi-fuel gas turbine will be installed, in which blending limits between hydrogen and natural gas will be tested. A 1MW fuel cell in Stara Zagora will provide the municipality's public night lighting, showcasing how the municipality can become net-zero-emission. Finally, a broad training and education program will be established, culminating in a master's degree. An intense replicability activity will be carried out based on the organisation of the Hydrogen Valley Development Group.