Transforming Energy. Industry. Society.
Translating Climate Neutrality Targets into Knowledge-Based Realities
The Net-Zero Lab is a unit established at the Faculty of Economics and Business Administration of Sofia University “St. Kliment Ohridski”. It is committed to providing actionable knowledge on how to effectively translate climate-neutrality targets into tangible actions, driving evidence-based and just sustainable transformation in Bulgaria and the region.
Our Team
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Atanas Georgiev
Director of the Net-zero Lab
Dean, Head of the Department “Industrial Economics and Management ” and Director of the Master’s program “Energy Markets and Services” at the Faculty of Economics and Business Administration, Sofia University “St. Kliment Ohridski”
Dr. Mariya Trifonova
Deputy Director of the Net-zero Lab
She has 12+ years of experience in renewable energy, specializing in participatory processes for transitioning coal regions in Bulgaria and modeling decarbonization pathways.
Lyubimka Georgieva
Research Assistant in Citizens Energy
She specializes in the energy sector with a focus on renewable energy, active citizen engagement, and women empowerment in green transformation. She also has expertise in data modeling and analysis.
Bozhil Kondev
Reserach Fellow
Bozhil Kondev is an energy and climate change expert and his research focuses on climate risks for the energy transition and sustainable finance. Alongside his work at the lab, Bozhil is involved as an independent energy expert in several technical assistance projects of international financial institutions in Eastern Europe, Asia and Africa.
Maya Todorova
Project Coordinator
She focuses on improving work processes, ensuring clear communication, and handling administrative tasks. With experience in data analysis and using AI tools to help make everyday operations more efficient and effective.
Remina Aleksieva
Reserach Fellow
Remina Aleksieva holds a master’s degree in international public policy and a master’s degree in law (due in 2026). She has experience in the non-governmental and research sectors and works in the field of energy and climate policy. Her main research focus is on renewable energy, citizen engagement and energy and climate legal and regulatory compliance.
Nursen Syuleyman
Research Assistant
She is actively involved in various research projects, gathering and analyzing data to support project objectives. By applying advanced methodologies, she ensures both precision and efficiency. Her contributions, ranging from creative ideas to strategic planning, are essential for driving success and optimizing results.
Mihail Georgiev
Research Fellow Industrial Decarbonisation
Mihail Georgiev is a chemical engineer (UCTM) and holds a PhD in
Physicochemistry (Sofia University). He is a member of the Royal Society
of Chemistry. With a track record of over 30 scientific projects, he has
collaborated with global industry leaders, including Unilever, Lonza,
Sasol, and KLK Oleo. His expertise focuses on problem-solving that
bridges fundamental science with sustainable industrial efficacy. Mihail
is actively working on decarbonization, sustainability, and air
purification systems through physicochemical innovation and advanced
characterization techniques.
Expertise
Techno–economic assessments
of technological solutions in the energy and industry sectors necessary to meet the Net-Zero target
Decision-support tools
such as energy system simulation and optimization, regional technology roadmaps for the sustainable transformation, life cycle carbon assessments
Applied research for societal transformation
- assessing human resource needs for a sustainable future
- fostering social partnerships
- empowering individuals and communities to drive meaningful change
Publications
Scaling up Electricity System Flexibility in Bulgaria through Digital Solution
Trajectories of Institutional Change in the Energy Transition: Institutions, Actors, and Policies
The Bulgarian Chemical Industry: Carbon Footprint, Resource Dependencies, and Regulatory Challenges
Analysis of Available Financial Mechanisms in Support of Energy Communities
Raw Materials, Critical Choices – The Backbone of Bulgaria’s Low-Carbon Future
Research and Innovation in Support of Energy Technologies – Opportunities and Challenges for Bulgaria
News
- The Coal Gap and its implications for Bulgaria
Despite increasingly ambitious climate commitments, projected coal production worldwide remains far above the levels consistent with international climate goals. This mismatch, known as the coal gap, is derived from the broader production gap framework and highlights the challenge of aligning coal production with pathways that limit global warming to well below 2°C and pursue efforts to keep it within 1.5°C. The 2025 Production … - Is natural gas really a “bridge fuel” for Bulgaria, or does it primarily expose the country to price volatility originating from European gas markets?
Natural gas has long been presented as the fuel that could bridge Europe’s transition from coal to a low-carbon electricity system. Compared with coal, it produces fewer carbon dioxide emissions, gas-fired power plants provide the flexibility needed to balance increasingly variable renewable generation, and Europe entered the energy transition with an extensive gas transmission and … - Does Renewable Energy Drive Decarbonization? Bulgaria’s Performance in the EU Context (2015–2024)
The transformation of the European Union’s power sector over the last decade has been driven by two interconnected processes: the expansion of renewable energy sources (RES) and the reduction of carbon-intensive electricity generation. While these developments are often discussed together, an important question remains: to what extent can the decline in carbon intensity be attributed to … - Net-Zero Lab’s Team Participates in the 6th SEE SDEWES Conference in Burgas
The 6th South East European Conference on Sustainable Development of Energy, Water and Environment Systems – SEE SDEWES 2026 – officially opened in Burgas, Bulgaria this year. The international forum is held in cooperation with the Faculty of Economics and Business Administration at Sofia University “St. Kliment Ohridski” and the Burgas Branch of Sofia University. …Net-Zero Lab’s Team Participates in the 6th SEE SDEWES Conference in Burgas Read More »
- Is Bulgaria’s Electricity Too Carbon-Intensive? A European Comparison
In the context of accelerating climate change and increasingly stringent environmental policies, carbon intensity has become a key indicator for assessing the environmental performance of energy systems. It is commonly defined as the amount of carbon dioxide (CO₂) emitted per unit of electricity generated, typically expressed in grams of CO₂ per kilowatt–hour (gCO₂/kWh). This metric …Is Bulgaria’s Electricity Too Carbon-Intensive? A European Comparison Read More »
Partners
Collaboration drives innovation towards a sustainable future.
We recognize the critical role of the private sector in advancing net-zero initiatives, inviting businesses to join us in fostering regional clean energy markets, transforming industrial processes, and enhancing supply chain sustainability.
The Net Zero lab opens its doors for businesses to engage in strategic partnerships within our areas of expertise. We believe in the power of technology transfer and upscaling to achieve net-zero targets. By facilitating collaboration, we aim to drive the growth of sustainable practices.
Our focus on cluster-based decarbonization is a key aspect. Through the “Partner with Us” program, businesses can actively contribute to the development and execution of these strategies. This collaborative approach ensures a holistic transformation of industries, paving the way for a resilient, low-carbon future.
Partner with us to make a lasting impact on innovation, clean energy, and sustainable industrial and societal practices. Together, we can build a greener, more resilient tomorrow.
Contact
Net-Zero Lab at Faculty of Economics and Business Administration Sofia University St. Kliment Ohridski
1113 Sofia, 125 Tsarigradsko Shose Blvd., bl.3
netzero@feb.uni-sofia.bg
