The Council of Ministers approved BGN 2.5 million for the implementation of the first 12-month stage of the national scientific program "Critical and strategic raw materials for green transition and sustainable development". The program aims to ensure the conduct of fundamental and scientific-applied research to establish Bulgaria's potential for extraction and processing of raw materials of strategic importance for the national and European economy.
They have applications in many major areas of the economy, such as automotive, steel, aerospace, information technology, healthcare and renewable energy.
The implementation of the program is planned for 5 years in the period 2024 - 2029 with a total budget of 8.5 million BGN. Of the 2.5 million BGN approved for the first stage, one million BGN is intended for the purchase of research equipment.
Through the results of the program, the state and society will be supported in dealing with a number of challenges such as the implementation of a smooth transition to renewable energy sources, waste-free technologies and the processing of primary resources.
Eligible beneficiaries of funds under the program are accredited higher schools, scientific organizations and natural science and mineralogical museums, which must form a consortium with a leading partner, the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, which will be the coordinator of the program.