On 25 September 2024, BULGARTRANSGAZ EAD and DESFA S.А. held a joint information day to study the interest in the hydrogen market in Greece and Bulgaria. The online event generated significant interest from both already active companies in the energy sector and potential participants in the hydrogen market. The operators report the high interest in the event, which was attended by over 100 representatives of producers, consumers, traders, suppliers and industry organisations from Bulgaria and Greece.
Within the framework of the virtual event, the interested parties were presented with up-to-date information from the two operators regarding the progress of planned hydrogen-oriented projects and initiatives. The prospects for the implementation of hydrogen technologies in the energy mix were also presented, a prerequisite for which is the construction and commissioning of a hydrogen transport infrastructure.
The success of the event highlights the key importance of the initiative of the two operators and the need for the timely planning and construction of the necessary infrastructure for the transport of hydrogen in and across Bulgaria and Greece.
Bulgaria and Greece are already cooperating successfully in terms of the sustainable energy development and the implementation of priority activities in connection with the development of a stable hydrogen market in the region. The first list of Projects of Common Interest and Projects of Mutual Interest of the European Commission, published in November 2023, includes two hydrogen projects of Bulgartransgaz EAD and DESFA, which are also part of the hydrogen corridor in South Eastern Europe.
The joint study to assess the interest in the hydrogen market takes place from the beginning of September to the end of November 2024 and will identify the expected needs for hydrogen transport capacity, as well as possible production locations and delivery points to end users in both countries in order to identify the challenges and opportunities for achieving a sustainable energy future in the context of the energy transition.