Descrizione del progetto
Presentare l’energia dell’idrogeno in una terra di combustibili fossili
Sfruttare la luce del sole e l’acqua per produrre idrogeno come vettore energetico pulito è un’operazione in netto contrasto con la combustione di carbone, un combustibile ricco di carbonio. L’area in espansione della città bulgara di Stara Zagora ospita Maritsa Iztok, uno dei più grandi complessi di produzione di energia elettrica in Europa e il maggior responsabile di emissioni di CO2 in Bulgaria. Per dimostrare l’incredibile potenziale dell’idrogeno per quanto concerne la possibilità di migliorare la qualità dell’aria, ridurre le emissioni di CO2 e generare benefici economici, il progetto ZAHYR, finanziato dall’UE, intende installare una tecnologia basata su questo elemento a Stara Zagora. Un nuovo impianto fotovoltaico alimenterà gli elettrolizzatori per scindere l’acqua in ossigeno e idrogeno, e quest’ultimo sarà utilizzato in ambito di trasporti e applicazioni energetiche, tra cui autobus urbani e illuminazione pubblica.
Obiettivo
Stara Zagora is a strategic logistic centre in Bulgaria and the Balkan Peninsula. It is also host to one of the biggest power production complexes in Europe (Maritsa East). This makes it the perfect location to showcase the versatility and potential of green hydrogen as means to improve air quality in the city, reduce CO2 emissions for energy production and mobility applications, and generate economic welfare. The demonstration of clean, safe, and sustainable hydrogen technology applications will improve public perception of hydrogen ecosystems, and kick start a hydrogen-based economy not only in the region but across the country.
ZAHYR will install and demonstrate two electrolysers with a combined installed power of 5MW, to be run on green electricity produced in a new 20MW PV plant. The hydrogen produced will be used in various transport and energy applications. These include the installation of two Hydrogen Refuelling Stations to service a fleet of 10 city buses, 2 heavy transport trucks and 2 light-duty vehicles. A bi-fuel gas turbine will be installed in which blending limits between hydrogen and natural gas will be tested. A 1MW fuel cell at Stara Zagora will provide the municipality’s public night lighting, showcasing how this municipality can become net zero emission. Finally, a broad training and education program will be set up resulting in a master’s degree. An intense replicability activity will be carried out based on the organization of the Hydrogen Valley Development Group.
Campo scientifico
- engineering and technologyenvironmental engineeringenergy and fuelsfossil energynatural gas
- engineering and technologyenvironmental engineeringair pollution engineering
- natural sciencesbiological sciencesecologyecosystems
- engineering and technologyenvironmental engineeringenergy and fuelsfuel cells
- engineering and technologyenvironmental engineeringenergy and fuelsrenewable energyhydrogen energy
Parole chiave
Programma(i)
- HORIZON.2.5 - Climate, Energy and Mobility Main Programme
Meccanismo di finanziamento
HORIZON-JU-IA - HORIZON JU Innovation ActionsCoordinatore
6000 Stara Zagora
Bulgaria