On December 21, 2023, Sofia will witness a milestone in environmental sustainability with the inauguration of the Clean&Circle Centre of Competence. Developed under the Bulgarian Operational Programme "Science and Education for Smart Growth" 2014-2020, and co-financed with EUR 10.3 million by the European Union through the European Regional Development Fund, this project is set to transform the landscape of clean technologies and circular economy practices.
- 21 December 2023
Clean&Circle, officially known as Project BG05M2OP001-1.002-0019, "Clean technologies for sustainable environment – waters, waste, energy for circular economy," has been in progress since March 30, 2018, and is scheduled for completion by the end of 2023. With an overall budget of BGN 23,667,925.86, comprising BGN 20,117,736.97 from European funds and BGN 3,550,188.89 national co-financing, the project is spearheaded by Sofia University "St. Kliment Ohridski."
Clean&Circle is designed to establish robust infrastructure and research capabilities dedicated to fostering innovations in the circular economy, with a specific focus on water, energy, and waste management. The project is structured around three vertical modules: "Water," "Solid Waste," and "Transfer," each addressing critical aspects of the circular economy.
Vertical Modules:
Water: Emphasizing "Monitoring, Evaluation, and Identification of Problems" and "Clean Technologies" development, this module aims to enhance the efficiency of water treatment facilities and water supply networks.
Solid Waste: Focusing on circular economy practices, this module aims to innovate waste treatment facilities, increase the use of renewable energy sources, and recover valuable resources from waste, such as phosphorus and rare metals.
Transfer: Positioned as a vital component, this module concentrates on training, disseminating results, technology transfer, and fostering technological entrepreneurship. The project envisions joint master's, doctoral, and post-doctoral programs to cultivate specialists capable of driving clean technologies and leading entrepreneurial ventures.*
Clean&Circle places a significant emphasis on innovation through real-time control of processes using advanced chemical, physical, technological, microbiological, and molecular methods. The project also plans to develop sensors and biosensors for effective control and management of water treatment processes.
Infrastructure Investment:
The project encompasses an investment component for constructing and equipping the Centre of Competence. This includes the creation of two laboratory complexes with 11 laboratories and one accelerator for technological entrepreneurship and transfer, providing state-of-the-art facilities to fulfill the research and development tasks.
Clean & Circle Centre of Competence anticipates attracting specialists with diverse competencies, fostering teamwork, and achieving synergy in the pursuit of sustainable and clean technologies. The project not only promises environmental advancements but also contributes to the training of a new generation of professionals dedicated to circular economy practices.
Clean&Circle aims to contribute to sustainable development, signaling a future where innovation and environmental consciousness go hand in hand, shaping a cleaner and more sustainable world.
More information
Project website: Clean&Circle - Home (clean-circle.eu)
Facebook page: Clean & Circle | Sofia | Facebook