Centre of Competence HITMOBIL Demonstrates Integrated Clean Energy Solutions to Deputy Prime Minister Atanas Pekanov
Deputy Prime Minister Pekanov was introduced to the objectives and activities of the Integrated Energy Systems Laboratory in the context of national and European energy transition priorities.
On the afternoon of 8 October 2026, Atanas Pekanov, Deputy Prime Minister of the Republic of Bulgaria and Minister responsible for the management of European Union funds, visited the Integrated Energy Systems field laboratory of the Centre of Competence HITMOBIL, led by the Institute of Electrochemistry and Energy Systems “Acad. Evgeni Budevski” (IEES-BAS). He was accompanied by his Chief of Staff, Nikolay Draganov.
The Deputy Prime Minister was welcomed by Corr. Member Prof. DSc Evelina Slavcheva, President of the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences and Head of the Centre of Competence HITMOBIL, Assoc. Prof. Plamen Nikolov, Director of IEES-BAS, and researchers from the Centre.
During the visit, Atanas Pekanov was introduced to the main scientific and applied research objectives of the Centre of Competence HITMOBIL, with particular emphasis on the activities carried out by the Integrated Energy Systems Laboratory in the context of national and European energy transition priorities. The facilities and equipment of the photovoltaic park, battery section and renewable energy-based hydrogen production systems were presented, highlighting their capacity to support pre-industrial-scale experimental research, demonstrations and training activities.
The visit also provided an opportunity to discuss the prospects for the development and practical application of clean energy technologies, as well as opportunities to strengthen cooperation between government institutions, research organisations and industry.
Through its research infrastructure, which is unique in Bulgaria and the region, the Centre of Competence HITMOBIL provides an environment for the development, validation and demonstration of innovative solutions in energy storage, hydrogen technologies and sustainable mobility, thereby supporting the transition towards a low-carbon and climate-neutral economy.