Hydrogen Utopia International (HUI) signs letter of intent with the city of Simitli, Bulgaria – heralding an era of waste-to-hydrogen to help phase out fossil fuels across Eastern Europe

Hydrogen Utopia International (HUI) is pleased to announce the signing of a Letter Of Intent between HUI and the City of Simitli, Bulgaria, under the auspices of Mayor Apostol Apostolov. The LOI could mark the start of a number of exciting waste-to-energy projects to be rolled out across Bulgaria, in unison with others spanning Eastern Europe.

The letter sets out HUI's intention to build and manage a Powerhouse Energy Group Distributed Modular Gasification plant (DMG®) sited in a commercial sector close to existing waste remediation facilities. Simitli is situated in the industrial South West of Bulgaria, and has a population of circa 8,000 – like many in the region, the town has historically relied on the extraction of fossil fuels to support its economy. The area is set against a backdrop of semi-operational coal mines and is keen for regeneration.

Aleksandra Binkowska, CEO of HUI, travelled from Sofia to Simitli this week, where she met Mayor Apostolov to discuss the potential advantages of the plant. This included an examination of some of the challenges faced by the locality: its flagging mining industry, the need to boost employment, finding solutions for the sustainable disposal of non-recyclable plastics, and enabling the provision of clean affordable power - as part of a countrywide decarbonisation strategy. 

The groundbreaking Powerhouse Energy Group DMG® facility makes it possible to take raw materials of high calorific value such as non-recyclable and end-of-life plastics and convert them into synthesis gas in an efficient and cost-effective way, from which further products such as hydrogen, electricity and heat and other valuable industrial gases can be safely, securely obtained, without the release of unacceptable harmful emissions into the environment.  The Powerhouse Energy DMG® system is scalable, based on 40 tonnes of plastic feedstock producing up to 2.7 tonnes of 99.999 % road fuel quality hydrogen.

The municipality sees the two key strands of the system - waste remediation plus energy generation - as highly advantageous in helping solve the issues it faces, whilst gaining ground in the race to Net Zero. The City of Simitli has duly undertaken to support the development of a zero-emission closed circuit economy in the town and surrounding areas. It has pledged to enable HUI to source and purchase a suitable plot for its operations and provide its assistance regarding the procurement of the necessary permits and approvals, in full compliance with all applicable legislation.

During her stay in Simitli, Ms Binkowska carried out site inspections and noted the support of the EU that is already evident in the industrial park she visited. It has been established that the technology and the waste treatment facility is eligible to participate in the Just Transition programme - HUI intends to apply for backing for the project and is confident of gaining European funding and support. The City of Simitli has stated that it will aid and support HUI in relation to the application for funds for the construction of the proposed facility.

Aleksandra Binkowska, CEO of HUI, commented:

“Coming from Central Europe, I understand both the hurdles and opportunities that post-communist countries are facing. What I found in Bulgaria is most exciting. Readiness for change, appreciation for the EU, evidence of a strong bond with the EU, represented even in a tiny town like Simitli where the Circle of Stars was on display. Mayor Apostolov assured me that the citizens are open to a change which will bring them jobs and prosperity. He assured me that he will do everything he can, in conjunction with the EU to support the Powerhouse Energy DMG® system.”

Professor Keith Riley, Director Elect of HUI & Director of PHE, commented:

“I am delighted that DMG technology is being promoted and warmly welcomed in the Bulgarian market. Waste plastic is a world problem and I would like to congratulate HUI on their successful efforts in trying to promote this solution in the South-East of the European Continent.”