On July 29, 2021 a meeting was held between the coordinator of the Center for Competence "Clean & Circle" - Prof. Yana Topalova and Mr. Friedrich Katzer, Executive Director of OP "Sofia Waste Treatment Plant" (OP SPTO). The purpose of the meeting was to acquaint Mr. Katzer with the development of the project, technologies in the process of active development, purchased and expected high-tech equipment with funds from the European Structural and Investment Funds and Operational Program "Science and Education for Smart Growth".

Based on this, the possible fields for cooperation were outlined: Continuation of the existing joint activity led by the Faculty of Biology of the Sofia University “St. Kliment Ohridski ”for treatment of infiltrated and industrial waters by OP SPTO; Application of appropriate technologies for characterization of ashes to be processed and included in the composition of construction materials; Development and presentation of new training programs for highly qualified specialists in the field of water purification, to be implemented among the employees of OP SPTO by the experts in the Center of Competence "Clean & Circle".

In addition, the specialized training of master's students at Sofia University will continue in close cooperation with business, thanks to which science and practice are in constant contact.

More on the Center of Excellence " Clean & Circle "

Project BG05M2OP001-1.002-0019: "Clean technologies for sustainable environment - water, waste, energy for circular economy" (Clean & Circle) for construction and development of a Center of Competence

Leading organization: Sofia University "St. Kliment Ohridski ”

Partners: UACEG, University of Forestry, University "Professor Dr. Assen Zlatarov" - Burgas, Institute of Physical Chemistry "Academician Rostislav Kaishev" - BAS, Institute of Organic Chemistry with Center for Phytochemistry - BAS, Institute of Microbiology "Stefan Ange , Cleantech Bulgaria Foundation.

Associated partners: Sofia Municipality, Sofia Waste Treatment Company, Sofiyska Voda AD, Interplast BG - EOOD, Energy Agency - Plovdiv, University of Modena, Italy.

Project budget:

Total value: BGN 23,667,925.86

European Structural and Investment Funds: BGN 20,117,736.97

National co-financing: BGN 3,550,188.89

Deadline for implementation: March 30, 2018 - November 30, 2023 

Project goal: Building an efficient infrastructure and research capacity for the development of innovations in the circular economy with a focus on water, energy and waste management