Hydrogen electric transport can have accelerated development with strong institutional support. This was stated by the Deputy Minister of Transport and Communications Dimitar Nedyalkov at a round table organized by the Bulgarian Association for Hydrogen, Fuel Cells and Energy Storage. The Ministry of Transport and Communications hosted the event, which is part of the Hydrogen Electromobility Days programme.
"We strongly support the development of mobility alternatives and I am glad that we are giving a platform to environmentally friendly technological solutions," Deputy Minister Nedyalkov said at the opening of the event.
Bulgaria uses 5% of the hydrogen produced in Europe, but primarily in the chemical industry. There are pilot projects on vehicles for urban transport and garbage collection, as well as the establishment of a Centre of Excellence, said the head of the association, prof. Daria Vladikova. She added that the ambition is to create a hydrogen railway valley along the Septemvri - Dobrinishte route.
According to the association, there are 2000 cars and 500 buses in Europe that run on hydrogen. Over 50 train orders have also been placed. By 2030, a strong increase in hydrogen vehicles is expected, with 1.2 million cars of this type on the road.
Participants agreed on the need to update the regulatory framework for hydrogen electromobility. The round table was attended by representatives of the Ministry of Innovation and Growth, the Energy System Operator, industry organisations and businesses.
