Bulgaria prioritizes an important step towards a more sustainable future in transport. The Ministry of Transport and the community announced a plan for the purchase of 20 new hydrogen trains, powered by biodiesel. This decision is part of the country’s efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and ensure environmentally friendly transport for citizens.
The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport Grozdan Karadzhov commented that the use of biodiesel is an excellent opportunity under the conditions of all strict ecological standards. He emphasized that the new trains will improve the quality of service and provide opportunities for more frequent and effective travel on regional lines. This will enhance access to transport in less populated areas and stimulate the use of public transport as an ecological alternative.
The purchase of the new trains is part of Bulgaria’s commitment to integrate into the common European green policy. The EU sets high targets for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and encourages member states to invest in rail transport as an ecological alternative to automobiles.
The estimated cost of the public procurement is 485 million BGN without VAT. For the delivery of the ten trains, which must be able to travel at least 120 km/h with hydrogen fuel, a budget of nearly 140 million BGN is planned. The Slovak company will deliver 10 hydrogen trains that will operate on biodiesel. Their price is 132 million leva without VAT. If the contract is signed, these will be the first trains produced by this company that will operate in Bulgaria. In the published documents for the public procurement, it is recorded that the contract will start with confirmation for secured financing. The Slovak company is the only candidate that submitted an offer in the tender announced by the Ministry of Transport and the community.
The combination of modern technology, clean energy, and European policies for green transition turns this project into a symbol of the new path for Bulgarian railways and opens new perspectives for factories investing in installations for the production of high-quality biodiesel in Bulgaria.
“Distributors are required to invest a certain percentage in biodiesel. According to the regulations, almost all gasoline stations must not offer biodiesel,” commented the Minister of Transport Grozdan Karadzhov.
