The first training course on hydrogen energetics in stara zagora successfully completed
The first pilot training entitled Hydrogen Energetics was successfully completed featuring great interest and active participation. It was held from 24 to 28 March 2025 in Trakia University, Stara Zagora. The training was organized by the Acad Evgeni Budevski Institute of Electrochemistry and Energy Systems at the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences (IEES-BAS), with kind support of the Institute for Sustainable Transition and Development (ISTD) at Trakia University and the Center of Competence “HITMOBIL”. The course is one of the series within the frame of the European project “Green Skills for Hydrogen” aiming to provide qualification knowledge and skills in the field of hydrogen.
The official opening featured a welcome address by the Secretary General of Trakia University – Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nedelina Kostadinova, who greeted the participants on behalf of the Rector, Prof. Dr. Dobri Yarkov, and wished success to the event. The trainees were also greeted with opening address by the President of the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences (BAS) Prof. DSc Evelina Slavcheva, Corresponding Member of BAS. The organizers emphasized the strategic importance of hydrogen as a key element for the energy transition and the transformation of the industrial sector toward environmentally friendly technologies.
The event brought together over 85 participants, including students, lecturers, engineers, experts, and managers from various sectors, united by the goal of building a greener, more sustainable, and innovative energy future. Throughout the training, participants explored a wide range of topics – from electrochemical hydrogen converters and the energy efficiency of hydrogen to the regulatory framework at both European and national levels. The course was led by established scientists and lecturers, including: Prof. DSc Evelina Slavcheva (IEES-BAS); Prof. DSc Daria Vladikova (IEES-BAS and Trakia University), Assoc.Prof. Dr. Blagoy Burdin, (IEES-BAS), Assoc.Prof. Dr. Borislav Traykov (Technical University – Sofia and Trakia University), Assoc.Prof. Dr. Galin Borisov, and Denis Paskalev (IEES-BAS). Each contributed their expertise to deliver high-quality, practice-oriented training.
A special emphasis was placed on the practical sessions, which enabled trainees to apply what they had learned. They worked divided into groups with a “Green Hydrogen” training kit, observed demonstrations of portable hydrogen systems, and had the opportunity to closely examine the hydrogen-powered Hyundai Nexo vehicle through a test drive. This practical component was extremely well received and noted by participants as particularly valuable.
The last day of the course featured an open discussion session, during which all the participants exchange views on intriguing questions and shared ideas for future projects and collaborations. After completing feedback questionnaires, the training was officially closed by Assoc.Prof. Dr. Blagoy Burdin, and Denis Paskalev. They summarized the outcomes and outlined future educational initiatives in the field of the hydrogen economy. Finally all trainees received attendance certificates.
The course affirmed the importance of inter-institutional cooperation in preparing specialists for the energy transition and reinforced Stara Zagora’s role as a regional hub for green technologies and innovation.
More information about the “Green Skills for Hydrogen” project: https://greenskillsforhydrogen.eu/