The US Trade and Development Agency has launched a process to fund the feasibility study for the Chiren Hydrogen Pilot Project

The US Trade and Development Agency has launched an application process for funding the feasibility study for the Chiren Underground Gas Storage Pilot Hydrogen Project. This was confirmed by Karl Kress, regional director for the Middle East, North Africa, Europe and Asia of the US Trade and Development Agency (The U.S. Trade and Development Agency) during a meeting with the executive director of Bulgartransgaz Vladimir Malinov in Washington. The institution finances key projects and cooperates with companies with the aim of developing sustainable infrastructure and stimulating economic development in partner countries. Carl Kress emphasized that the feasibility study is eligible for funding in its full volume. Once an internal approval procedure within the agency is completed, a grant agreement will be signed.

"As a responsible gas transmission operator, Bulgartransgaz is already working on the future development of the hydrogen transmission infrastructure to neighboring countries, as well as on adapting the existing gas transmission system to work with hydrogen-gas mixtures. The implementation of this project, the first of its kind for Bulgaria, for the production and use of green hydrogen for technological needs in the facilities of the Chiren gasification plant, will reduce greenhouse gas emissions and contribute to achieving the goals of decarbonization," said Malinov to the USTDA representatives.

We remind you that in September 2023, a memorandum of understanding on the project was signed in the USA between Bulgartransgaz EAD, Glavbolgarstroy Holding AD, the American companies Solar Turbines Inc. and Honeywell, as well as Italy's Pietro Fiorentini. The first step for implementation is a feasibility study that will determine the technical configuration and structure of the public-private partnership for its implementation. The green hydrogen produced is intended to be used as fuel at the site.

Malinov also highlighted the "Hydrogen Transmission Infrastructure in Bulgaria" project developed by Bulgartransgaz EAD, which was included in the European Commission's list of Projects of Common Interest for the EU in November 2023. The planned infrastructure consists of a new pipeline with a length of about 250 km and two compressor stations in the area of Dupnitsa and Kulata. The new infrastructure will allow two-way transfer of both domestically produced hydrogen and hydrogen from Greece. Bulgartransgaz EAD is developing options for the development of the second phase of the hydrogen network, including expansion in the country and ensuring connectivity with the future transmission infrastructure for hydrogen in Romania. "The infrastructure of Bulgartransgaz for the transfer of hydrogen will play a key role in the realization of the priority corridor of the EU for the transfer of green hydrogen from South-Eastern to Central Europe", added Malinov.