8 July 2026, Prague – The Czech Hydrogen Technology Platform (HYTEP) is expanding its international partnerships. It has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Bulgarian Hydrogen Association (BGH2A), creating a framework for the exchange of experience, sharing of expertise, joint projects, and cooperation in education and public awareness activities related to hydrogen. The agreement comes at a time when Bulgaria is stepping up its efforts in hydrogen technologies and is becoming an important part of Europe’s plans to build a new energy infrastructure.

“International cooperation will be one of the key factors determining the pace of hydrogen technology development in Europe. We firmly believe that connecting experts, companies, research institutions, and other stakeholders across the European hydrogen sector will accelerate the successful deployment of zero-emission technologies and the transition to a modern energy system,” says Martin Křemenák, Executive Director of HYTEP.

Bulgaria as Part of the European Hydrogen Corridor

One of the most significant projects involving Bulgaria is the South-East European Hydrogen Corridor (SEEHyC) initiative. The project aims to establish an approximately 3,000-kilometre hydrogen corridor connecting renewable hydrogen production and import hubs in Southeast Europe with industrial consumers in Central Europe. The route is planned to run through Greece, Bulgaria, Romania, Hungary, Slovakia, the Czech Republic, and onwards to Germany. The Czech gas transmission operator Net4Gas is also involved in the project. The corridor is expected to become operational in 2029.

“The project envisages the use of part of the existing natural gas infrastructure alongside the construction of new dedicated hydrogen pipelines. The corridor is expected to achieve a transport capacity of at least 80 GWh of hydrogen per day and will make a significant contribution to diversifying Europe’s energy sources while strengthening the region’s energy security,” explains Martin Křemenák.

The Bulgarian section of the corridor includes the construction of approximately 580 kilometres of new bidirectional hydrogen infrastructure. The first phase will connect the Greek-Bulgarian border with the Sofia region, while the second phase will extend towards the Romanian border. The project is supported by the European Union and has received funding for preparatory work under the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) programme.

Strengthening European Hydrogen Cooperation

“Establishing cooperation with the Bulgarian Hydrogen Association represents another important step in building a strong international network of partners who share the same goal—a sustainable energy future. We believe that together we can foster innovation, accelerate the deployment of hydrogen technologies, and contribute to achieving Europe’s climate and energy objectives,” adds Julie Obivalněva, Hydrogen and International Cooperation Specialist at HYTEP.

About the Czech Hydrogen Technology Platform (HYTEP)

The Czech Hydrogen Technology Platform (HYTEP) brings together the country’s leading commercial companies, research organisations, and scientific institutions active in the field of hydrogen technologies. Its mission is to support the development of the hydrogen economy, connect domestic and international stakeholders, and coordinate activities aimed at establishing hydrogen as a clean energy carrier in industry, transport, and the energy sector.