A study visit to Stockholm provided an opportunity to explore practical hydrogen infrastructure and heavy-duty transport solutions, offering valuable insights for the development of the ZAHYR Hydrogen Valley in Bulgaria

In September 2026, Saverio Costanzo, representing ZAHYR – Zagora Sustainable Hydrogen Region, participated in an interregional meeting and study visit to Stockholm, Sweden, organised within the framework of GH2M – Accelerating the Deployment of Green Hydrogen Mobility in EU Regions, an Interreg Europe project.

The visit offered an opportunity to explore practical solutions for hydrogen-powered heavy-duty transport and the supporting refuelling infrastructure, while exchanging knowledge and experience with companies actively developing and testing hydrogen technologies.

From Hydrogen Infrastructure to Heavy-Duty Transport

Among the highlights of the programme were visits to Hydri and Scania, showcasing practical approaches to hydrogen mobility in Sweden.

Participants visited Hydri’s hydrogen refuelling station in Nykvarn, primarily designed to serve heavy-duty vehicles. The facility forms part of Sweden’s expanding green hydrogen refuelling network and illustrates the importance of accessible and reliable infrastructure for the wider adoption of hydrogen-powered transport.

Another highlight was Scania’s development of hydrogen fuel cell electric trucks. The technology builds on the company’s battery-electric vehicle platform, integrating a hydrogen fuel cell system to complement the batteries and extend the driving range to up to 1,000 km. Scania is testing the technology through a pilot programme, with 15 trucks on the road and an additional 40 vehicles in production.

What Does the Swedish Experience Mean for ZAHYR?

For ZAHYR, one of the most valuable aspects of the visit was the opportunity to examine hydrogen-powered vehicles, refuelling infrastructure and energy supply as interconnected elements of a single system.

This integrated approach is also central to the development of the ZAHYR Hydrogen Valley in Stara Zagora, which aims to establish a complete hydrogen ecosystem connecting production, infrastructure and end-use applications in transport and industry.

The Swedish experience highlights the importance of aligning technological solutions with real transport demand, reliable hydrogen supply, regulatory requirements and the economic viability of future applications.

Equally important is cooperation between businesses, public authorities, research institutions, vehicle manufacturers and infrastructure operators. Such collaboration is essential for translating emerging hydrogen technologies into practical solutions adapted to regional needs.

European Cooperation Supporting the Hydrogen Transition

ZAHYR’s participation in the GH2M study visit demonstrates the value of cooperation between European initiatives working towards the wider deployment of hydrogen technologies.

Stara Zagora Regional Economic Development Agency (SZ REDA),  is the lead partner of GH2M, which focuses on improving regional policies for green hydrogen mobility through interregional knowledge exchange and the sharing of good practices.

The connection between the two initiatives creates opportunities to exchange practical knowledge, strengthen professional networks and assess how European experience can inform the development of hydrogen applications in Stara Zagora.

For ZAHYR, exchanges like this contribute to bridging the gap between technological concepts and practical implementation, supporting the long-term ambition to establish a sustainable hydrogen ecosystem in the region.