Expert from the CC HITMOBIL with a leading role in the “Automotive Forum – 2026”
he Role of the CC HITMOBIL in Advancing Sustainable Transport Mobility
Assoc. Prof. Blagoy Burdin, PhD – an established researcher from IEES-BAS and Head of the Integrated Energy Systems Laboratory at the Center of Competence HITMOBIL, took an active part in the “Automotive Forum – 2026”, held on 12 March 2026 in a hybrid format – onsite at NDNDT, Sofia, and online. The event was dedicated to the topic “Hydrogen and Electric Vehicles – Current State and Prospects for Their Use.”
Participants in the forum included members of the Scientific and Technical Union of Transport, representatives of the scientific community, government institutions and experts from the transport sector, as well as students from the Technical University of Sofia.
Assoc. Prof. Burdin was among the main speakers in the scientific programme. In two presentations, he outlined key aspects of the development of sustainable low-emission transport mobility, with a focus on the activities and expertise developed within the Center of Competence HITMOBIL. In his first presentation, he addressed the role and potential of battery storage systems and hydrogen fuel cells as leading technologies for the future of transport. His second lecture focused on electric mobility, the integration of renewable energy sources, and the development of charging infrastructure, including for hydrogen-powered electric vehicles.
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During the subsequent discussion session, participants examined trends and challenges related to the deployment of electric and hydrogen vehicles in Bulgaria, as well as the prospects for accelerating the decarbonisation of transport in the country. Analyses of the automotive market in 2025 were also presented, with a focus on electric trucks and battery- and hydrogen-powered buses. Topics related to road safety were also discussed.
The participation of Assoc. Prof. Burdin highlighted the significant role of the Center of Competence HITMOBIL in the development, promotion, and implementation of clean energy technologies for advancing the green transition in the transport sector.
The “Automotive Forum – 2026” was organised by the Scientific and Technical Union of Transport, with the support of the Ministry of Transport and Communications and the Federation of Scientific and Technical Unions in Bulgaria.