Zagora Sustainable Hydrogen Region

The Zahyr Hydrogen Valley project aims to establish a fully integrated hydrogen ecosystem in Stara Zagora, Bulgaria, aligning with the model of a small Hydrogen Valley focused on mobility and industrial applications. It will create a complete hydrogen value chain — from production to end use — based on a shared infrastructure designed to stimulate collaboration between private industry and public research institutions, while generating long-term technical, economic, social, and environmental benefits.

At its core, Zahyr features a hybrid hydrogen production facility combining electrolysis and ammonia cracking technologies. The initial phase will deploy an electrolyzer (150 kg/day) and an ammonia cracker (125 kg/day), powered by photovoltaic energy. In later phases, the cracker capacity will be expanded to 1,500 kg/day, achieving a total of 1,650 kg/day. This hybrid setup ensures a stable hydrogen supply even during periods of low solar generation, while introducing innovative materials for ammonia storage and transport that push the boundaries of current technological standards.

The project leverages Stara Zagora’s regional advantages, including high solar irradiance and proximity to Bulgaria’s largest fertilizer producer, which secures a steady ammonia supply. This dual system reduces both intermittency and capital costs, offering a low-carbon, cost-effective alternative to fossil-based hydrogen. By optimizing existing infrastructure and aligning with key EU policies — such as the European Hydrogen Strategy, REPowerEU, and the Green Deal — Zahyr contributes directly to Europe’s Net-Zero transition and the scaling up of the hydrogen economy.