Bulgaria and Indo-Pacific Countries Green Hydrogen Opportunities
Bulgaria and Indo-Pacific Countries Green Hydrogen Opportunities
December 2025
Petar Andonov, Business Development Director
BOYANOV & Co.
Introduction
The growing global focus on clean energy transitions has placed green hydrogen at the forefront of sustainable development strategies. As Bulgaria advances its renewable energy goals, cooperation with technologically advanced and strategically positioned Indo-Pacific countries such as Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Indonesia and Singapore in the field of green hydrogen as renewable energy source presents significant opportunities for diversification and growth.
Opportunities for Cooperation Between Bulgaria As an EU MS and Indo-Pacific Countries
EU MS and some countries from the Indo-Pacific region could collaborate in low carbon economy, development and commercialisation of green hydrogen in particular. Such a cooperation started with the first ever EU-Indo Pacific Regional Conference on Energy Security and Hydrogen Economy, organised in Kuala Lumpur on 22-23 February 2023 and with the 1st EU-ASEAN Energy Dialogue in Jakarta on 21 June 2023. Development of renewable energy potential, including offshore wind energy and the development of a global hydrogen market with a focus on emerging regulatory frameworks, was among the topics of mutual interests identified.
Future opportunities extend to the development of hydrogen economy, where the state of Sarawak in Malaysia, for example, is well placed due to its low population density and abundant hydropower enabling cost effective production of green hydrogen. The state of Sarawak is a location of three hydrogen production plants near completion in Kuching, Bintulu and Miri. Local authorities remain interested in research and technological collaboration with EU MS to develop production of green hydrogen and ammonia as well as obtaining research in fuel cells’ technology. Malaysia already produces 1.2 Mtpa ammonia, a reliable, tested and cheap means for transporting hydrogen. In addition, Malaysia is among Indo-Pacific countries sharing the EU’s 2050 net-zero carbon emission ambition. The hydrogen roadmap for Malaysia includes strategy for 65 million tones of palm oil’s releases of methane to extract H2. The Malaysian Green Technology and Climate Change Center believes also that biomass-based hydrogen production will be critical.
Two years ago the National Research and Innovation Agency of Indonesia (BRIN) introduced a national hydrogen strategy roadmap to support the ongoing development of hydrogen study projects in the country. Indonesia’s abundant gas resources and ongoing renewable power projects provide a strong foundation for producing blue and green hydrogen in addition to the existing focus on development of geothermal energy. Singapore highlights the importance of hydrogen derivatives such as ammonia for the transition to hydrogen society. The most cost-efficient method to transport hydrogen is pipelines.
The 2023 Hydrogen Strategy of Japan was aimed at achieving a hydrogen-based society. Its specific goals were identified as follows: expansion of supply and creation of demand, transition to low-carbon hydrogen, hydrogen production using renewable energy and the establishment of supply chain in Japan, establishment of international hydrogen energy supply chains, use of hydrogen and ammonia in power generation, mobility of hydrogen energy including fuel cell vehicles and development of hydrogen stations, and use of hydrogen in industries such as green steel production and automotive sector, development of next-generation aircrafts and ships based on hydrogen and ammonia, etc.
Development, Production and Supply of Hydrogen in Bulgaria
As an EU-Member State (MS), Bulgaria is aligned with the European Green Deal and REPower EU strategies. Bulgaria has significant potential in solar, hydropower and wind energy, all of them critical for green hydrogen production via electrolysis. Usually, the interest is focused on projects designed to decarbonise lignite power plants through green hydrogen produced via solar energy-powered electrolysis.
Bulgaria is currently developing strategies to invest in hydrogen infrastructure and technology. In April 2023, Bulgaria adopted a National Roadmap for Hydrogen as part of the reforms under its National Recovery and Resilience Plan (NRRP). The Energy and Climate Integrated Plan, updated in 2024, sets specific targets: by 2030, producing 55 MW of hydrogen via electrolysis, yielding 7800 tons annually, supported by investments totaling BGN 136.9 million (including private co-financing), with tangible outputs expected by 2026. In order to enable a hydrogen economy, Bulgaria aims to repurpose the existing gas infrastructure, allowing up to 10% hydrogen blending in pipelines, and advance cross-border interconnections.
In March 2025, Mr.Zhecho Stankov, Minister of Energy of Bulgaria emphasised that country is making significant strides in its energy transformation by focusing on green hydrogen as a pivotal element. He stated that green hydrogen lies at the heart of the energy transition of Bulgaria. Minister Stankov highlighted Bulgaria’s favorable climate, with 1400 to 1800 hours of sunshine annually, providing excellent conditions for competitive green hydrogen production and pointed out Bulgaria’s existing infrastructure as advantageous for transporting green hydrogen, suggesting that the country could become a leading exporter in Europe. Bulgaria is currently leveraging its natural resources and strategic location to advance the production and export of green hydrogen.
Key Areas of Collaboration between Bulgaria and Indo-Pacific Countries to foster joint progress in green hydrogen production, technology, infrastructure, and policy alignment could be identified as follows:
- Joint Research and Development (R&D): establish collaborative research initiatives between Bulgarian universities and R&D laboratories and their counterparts in Japan, Korea, Singapore, Malaysia, and Indonesia to develop advanced hydrogen technologies; create co-funded bi-regional innovation hubs focusing on electrolysis, hydrogen storage, and fuel cell applications; launch pilot projects to test green hydrogen technologies in different climatic and infrastructural contexts.
- Technology Transfer and Industrial Collaboration: facilitate technology transfer from leading hydrogen innovators in Japan (a global leader in hydrogen fuel cells and transport) and Singapore to support Bulgaria’s hydrogen sector; encourage joint ventures with companies from Southeast Asia for the manufacturing of key hydrogen components such as electrolyzers, fuel cels, and storage units; promote industrial collaboration through bilateral business forums and matchmaking platforms. Bulgarian universities and startups could significantly benefit from technology sharing agreements with Indo-Pacific partners.
- Investment and Financing: developing joint investment platforms to fund green hydrogen projects in Bulgaria, leveraging green finance expertise from Singapore; encourage public-private partnerships (PPPs) and joint ventures between Bulgaria and companies from the Indo-Pacific to attract private capital and international funding agencies; explore co-financing opportunities through multilateral development banks and climate funds.
- Infrastructure Development: collaborate on the development of hydrogen transport and storage infrastructure, including liquefaction and shipping technologies; explore the creation of hydrogen corridors and fueling stations connecting ports and industrial hubs; support feasibility studies on hydrogen pipelines and integration with existing energy grids.
- Policy and Regulatory Harmonisation: sign bilateral agreements to align hydrogen standards, safety regulations, and certification protocols; share policy’s best practices related to hydrogen subsidies, incentives, and blending regulations; develop a framework for regular policy dialogues and regulatory exchange.
- Sustainability and Carbon Trading: coordinate efforts to establish credible certification mechanisms for green hydrogen; link carbon markets, where possible, between Bulgaria and Indo-Pacific nations to promote carbon credit trading; collaborate on life-cycle emissions accounting and environmental impact assessments (EIAs).
- Export Opportunities and Energy Security: position Bulgaria as a future green hydrogen partner to the Indo-Pacific region, for example exporter of green hydrogen or ammonia to Asia; support supply chain development and establish trade routes for hydrogen derivatives such as ammonia; diversify Bulgarian energy sources by exploring hydrogen imports from Malaysia and Indonesia.
- Capacity Building and Training: initiate exchange programs for researchers, engineers, and policymakers to build human capital; organise joint workshops, seminars and training sessions on hydrogen technologies and safety; develop multilingual educational resources and online platforms for knowledge dissemination.
Conclusion
Bulgaria and Indo-Pacific countries have complementary strengths that can accelerate the green hydrogen economy through mutual cooperation. By forging strategic partnerships, both regions can drive innovation, enhance energy security, and contribute meaningfully to global decarbonisation efforts. Bulgaria could also strengthen its energy diplomacy through cooperation with Indo-Pacific countries in the field of green hydrogen.
December 2025
Petar Andonov, Business Development Director
BOYANOV & Co.
Introduction
The growing global focus on clean energy transitions has placed green hydrogen at the forefront of sustainable development strategies. As Bulgaria advances its renewable energy goals, cooperation with technologically advanced and strategically positioned Indo-Pacific countries such as Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Indonesia and Singapore in the field of green hydrogen as renewable energy source presents significant opportunities for diversification and growth.
Opportunities for Cooperation Between Bulgaria As an EU MS and Indo-Pacific Countries
EU MS and some countries from the Indo-Pacific region could collaborate in low carbon economy, development and commercialisation of green hydrogen in particular. Such a cooperation started with the first ever EU-Indo Pacific Regional Conference on Energy Security and Hydrogen Economy, organised in Kuala Lumpur on 22-23 February 2023 and with the 1st EU-ASEAN Energy Dialogue in Jakarta on 21 June 2023. Development of renewable energy potential, including offshore wind energy and the development of a global hydrogen market with a focus on emerging regulatory frameworks, was among the topics of mutual interests identified.
Future opportunities extend to the development of hydrogen economy, where the state of Sarawak in Malaysia, for example, is well placed due to its low population density and abundant hydropower enabling cost effective production of green hydrogen. The state of Sarawak is a location of three hydrogen production plants near completion in Kuching, Bintulu and Miri. Local authorities remain interested in research and technological collaboration with EU MS to develop production of green hydrogen and ammonia as well as obtaining research in fuel cells’ technology. Malaysia already produces 1.2 Mtpa ammonia, a reliable, tested and cheap means for transporting hydrogen. In addition, Malaysia is among Indo-Pacific countries sharing the EU’s 2050 net-zero carbon emission ambition. The hydrogen roadmap for Malaysia includes strategy for 65 million tones of palm oil’s releases of methane to extract H2. The Malaysian Green Technology and Climate Change Center believes also that biomass-based hydrogen production will be critical.
Two years ago the National Research and Innovation Agency of Indonesia (BRIN) introduced a national hydrogen strategy roadmap to support the ongoing development of hydrogen study projects in the country. Indonesia’s abundant gas resources and ongoing renewable power projects provide a strong foundation for producing blue and green hydrogen in addition to the existing focus on development of geothermal energy. Singapore highlights the importance of hydrogen derivatives such as ammonia for the transition to hydrogen society. The most cost-efficient method to transport hydrogen is pipelines.
The 2023 Hydrogen Strategy of Japan was aimed at achieving a hydrogen-based society. Its specific goals were identified as follows: expansion of supply and creation of demand, transition to low-carbon hydrogen, hydrogen production using renewable energy and the establishment of supply chain in Japan, establishment of international hydrogen energy supply chains, use of hydrogen and ammonia in power generation, mobility of hydrogen energy including fuel cell vehicles and development of hydrogen stations, and use of hydrogen in industries such as green steel production and automotive sector, development of next-generation aircrafts and ships based on hydrogen and ammonia, etc.
Development, Production and Supply of Hydrogen in Bulgaria
As an EU-Member State (MS), Bulgaria is aligned with the European Green Deal and REPower EU strategies. Bulgaria has significant potential in solar, hydropower and wind energy, all of them critical for green hydrogen production via electrolysis. Usually, the interest is focused on projects designed to decarbonise lignite power plants through green hydrogen produced via solar energy-powered electrolysis.
Bulgaria is currently developing strategies to invest in hydrogen infrastructure and technology. In April 2023, Bulgaria adopted a National Roadmap for Hydrogen as part of the reforms under its National Recovery and Resilience Plan (NRRP). The Energy and Climate Integrated Plan, updated in 2024, sets specific targets: by 2030, producing 55 MW of hydrogen via electrolysis, yielding 7800 tons annually, supported by investments totaling BGN 136.9 million (including private co-financing), with tangible outputs expected by 2026. In order to enable a hydrogen economy, Bulgaria aims to repurpose the existing gas infrastructure, allowing up to 10% hydrogen blending in pipelines, and advance cross-border interconnections.
In March 2025, Mr.Zhecho Stankov, Minister of Energy of Bulgaria emphasised that country is making significant strides in its energy transformation by focusing on green hydrogen as a pivotal element. He stated that green hydrogen lies at the heart of the energy transition of Bulgaria. Minister Stankov highlighted Bulgaria’s favorable climate, with 1400 to 1800 hours of sunshine annually, providing excellent conditions for competitive green hydrogen production and pointed out Bulgaria’s existing infrastructure as advantageous for transporting green hydrogen, suggesting that the country could become a leading exporter in Europe. Bulgaria is currently leveraging its natural resources and strategic location to advance the production and export of green hydrogen.
Key Areas of Collaboration between Bulgaria and Indo-Pacific Countries to foster joint progress in green hydrogen production, technology, infrastructure, and policy alignment could be identified as follows:
- Joint Research and Development (R&D): establish collaborative research initiatives between Bulgarian universities and R&D laboratories and their counterparts in Japan, Korea, Singapore, Malaysia, and Indonesia to develop advanced hydrogen technologies; create co-funded bi-regional innovation hubs focusing on electrolysis, hydrogen storage, and fuel cell applications; launch pilot projects to test green hydrogen technologies in different climatic and infrastructural contexts.
- Technology Transfer and Industrial Collaboration: facilitate technology transfer from leading hydrogen innovators in Japan (a global leader in hydrogen fuel cells and transport) and Singapore to support Bulgaria’s hydrogen sector; encourage joint ventures with companies from Southeast Asia for the manufacturing of key hydrogen components such as electrolyzers, fuel cels, and storage units; promote industrial collaboration through bilateral business forums and matchmaking platforms. Bulgarian universities and startups could significantly benefit from technology sharing agreements with Indo-Pacific partners.
- Investment and Financing: developing joint investment platforms to fund green hydrogen projects in Bulgaria, leveraging green finance expertise from Singapore; encourage public-private partnerships (PPPs) and joint ventures between Bulgaria and companies from the Indo-Pacific to attract private capital and international funding agencies; explore co-financing opportunities through multilateral development banks and climate funds.
- Infrastructure Development: collaborate on the development of hydrogen transport and storage infrastructure, including liquefaction and shipping technologies; explore the creation of hydrogen corridors and fueling stations connecting ports and industrial hubs; support feasibility studies on hydrogen pipelines and integration with existing energy grids.
- Policy and Regulatory Harmonisation: sign bilateral agreements to align hydrogen standards, safety regulations, and certification protocols; share policy’s best practices related to hydrogen subsidies, incentives, and blending regulations; develop a framework for regular policy dialogues and regulatory exchange.
- Sustainability and Carbon Trading: coordinate efforts to establish credible certification mechanisms for green hydrogen; link carbon markets, where possible, between Bulgaria and Indo-Pacific nations to promote carbon credit trading; collaborate on life-cycle emissions accounting and environmental impact assessments (EIAs).
- Export Opportunities and Energy Security: position Bulgaria as a future green hydrogen partner to the Indo-Pacific region, for example exporter of green hydrogen or ammonia to Asia; support supply chain development and establish trade routes for hydrogen derivatives such as ammonia; diversify Bulgarian energy sources by exploring hydrogen imports from Malaysia and Indonesia.
- Capacity Building and Training: initiate exchange programs for researchers, engineers, and policymakers to build human capital; organise joint workshops, seminars and training sessions on hydrogen technologies and safety; develop multilingual educational resources and online platforms for knowledge dissemination.
Conclusion
Bulgaria and Indo-Pacific countries have complementary strengths that can accelerate the green hydrogen economy through mutual cooperation. By forging strategic partnerships, both regions can drive innovation, enhance energy security, and contribute meaningfully to global decarbonisation efforts. Bulgaria could also strengthen its energy diplomacy through cooperation with Indo-Pacific countries in the field of green hydrogen.
