Lecture on Hydrogen and the Hydrogen Economy

On 17.12.2024 prof. Daria Vladikova - Head of the Hydrogen Technologies and Energy Systems Department at the Institute for Sustainable Transition and Development at Trakia University - Stara Zagora and Professor of Electrochemistry at the Institute of Electrochemistry and Energy Systems at the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, gave a lecture on "Hydrogen and the Hydrogen Economy" to students at Hristo Smirnenski Junior High School. The guest of the event was prof. Naiden Shivarov - Director of the National STEM Centre. 
Prof. Vladikova introduced the students to hydrogen technology: why hydrogen, is it dangerous, how is it produced, where can it be used, how does it ensure reduction of carbon emissions, why are we talking about hydrogen economy? The studentas also saw the first hydrogen electric car in Bulgaria (Hyundai Nexo), purchased under a research project, which convinced othem in its advantages. They understood that hydrogen technology is already a reality. 
Conversations with the teachers after the lecture started a real collaboration that will begin the first steps in teaching by integrating relevant topics in some lessons, through visits to the laboratories where these technologies are being developed. A next step is to involve the school with a team to be prepared to participate in the international hydrogen trolley competition Horizon Grand Prix, organised at national level by Technocrati, a atructure that also participates in the European Hydrogen Academy. 
The event is part of the activities of the European Hydrogen Academy within the framework of a pan-European project whose aim is to create a network of schools and universities for which to prepare the necessary educational materials and support teachers in their uptake, offering both teaching aids and modern and attractive approaches and educational tools. From Bulgaria, the project participant is Trakia University, working in partnership with other Bulgarian scientific organisations such as the HITMOBIL Centre of Excellence. 
The project started in January 2024 and there are already 10 schools in the newly established network for Bulgaria. One of them is the Hristo Smirnenski Secondary School in Pernik. Another 10 schools will join in 2025 with the assistance of the National STEM Centre. And while the project team prepares the materials, the Bulgarian participants want to introduce students and teachers to the topic of hydrogen technology that will build a new economy - the hydrogen economy.