Innovation Mission to Bulgaria: Geothermal Energy in Greenhouses

At the heart of this agri-food innovation mission is the exploration of equal collaboration in research and development for both researchers and companies. The focus is on collaboration and innovation throughout the value chain.

Why Bulgaria?

Bulgaria offers many opportunities for sustainable growth in greenhouse horticulture. The country has favourable natural conditions, a strong tradition of horticulture and a strategic location in relation to European export markets. At the same time, high energy costs and outdated greenhouses are holding back production and competitiveness. Geothermal energy can help make the sector more sustainable and stronger. This presents opportunities for Dutch companies with expertise in greenhouse horticulture, energy and geothermal technology.

For whom?

This innovation mission is of interest to Dutch companies and knowledge institutions that are active throughout the whole value chain in greenhouse horticulture and geothermal energy, such as:

• Providers of greenhouse technologies, equipment and services;
• Solution providers focusing on energy efficiency in greenhouses;
• Turnkey suppliers of greenhouses;
• Geothermal exploration, implementation and service companies;
• Knowledge institutions focused on greenhouse production and geothermal energy;
• Greenhouse growers interested in partnerships and investments in Bulgaria;
• Financial institutions, investors and other important relevant value-chain actors.

Mission objectives

In the Netherlands, we aim not only to be a leading exporter of sustainably produced agri-food products, but also of knowledge, expertise and technology that contribute to resilient food systems worldwide. We strengthen this position by investing in innovation and by collaborating internationally in research and development.

The objectives of this mission are:

• To gain insight into the ecosystem, innovative developments and opportunities in Bulgaria related to modernization of the greenhouse sector and implementation of geothermal energy;
• To explore and exchange best practices in policy, industry and agricultural holdings;
• To explore trends and opportunities for multi-year (public-private) collaboration between knowledge institutions and between companies in the field of research and development;
• To connect innovative Dutch knowledge and technology to market opportunities and relevant networks in Bulgaria;
• To promote the business model of highly efficient greenhouses heated by geothermal energy and to initiate cross-institutional (BG) dialogue and support aimed at streamlining the permitting process and creating more favorable institutional and financial environment for investments;
• To explore and develop a multi annual programmatic approach for building modern greenhouses heated by geothermal energy.

Draft programme

The mission programme is currently being developed. We aim to take participants’ specific wishes into account as much as possible when determining the final programme.

Key components of the full 3-day programme include:

• Meetings and interaction with key Bulgarian public and private stakeholders during a seminar:

  • business organizations and leaders in greenhouse production and geothermal energy;
  • potential investors;
  • government officials in the fields of agriculture and food, energy, environment and water;
  • knowledge and research institutions;
  • Bulgarian and international financial institutions
• Field visits to leading Bulgarian greenhouses and other relevant key actors.
• Networking events and informal matchmaking with companies and knowledge institutions.

Costs

The cost of participating in the innovation mission is €350 excl. VAT per person. This includes:

• Participation in the collective programme;
• Transfers to and from programme components;
• Lunch and dinners, if mentioned in the programme.

Participation does not include:

• Travel and accommodation costs (intercontinental and domestic flights and hotels);
• All individual costs, such as lunches and dinners outside the programme.

You may cancel free of charge up to 30 days before departure. After that, we will charge the full participation fee. Please also review the terms and conditions for participating in innovation missions.

Registration

Registration is no longer possible.

Please note: registration does not automatically guarantee participation. Final participation depends on the number of places available and the extent to which your organisation aligns with the mission's objectives. There is a maximum of 2 registrations per organization. You will receive final confirmation after the registration period has closed.

Want to know more?

Are you looking for financial support for your plans?

• Business opportunities can make use of support through different available public funding, most notably the EU Modernisation Fund and CAP instruments.
• The Knowledge and Innovation Agenda Agriculture, Water, Food (KIA LWV) offers annual funding opportunities for public-private R&D partnerships through the SMP (Seed Money Project) and PPP (Public-Private Partnership) instruments.
• In addition, various other instruments, such as DHI, SIB, PIB, Eurostars and Horizon Europe, are available within the Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO). Consult our subsidy and financing options for Bulgaria.

Do you have questions about this innovation mission? Please contact team Innovation Missions via innovatiemissies@rvo.nl.

Do you have questions about the local context? Please contact Stiliyan Grebenicharski (LVVN advisor for Bulgaria) via stili.grebenicharski@minbuza.nl or + 359 879 910 081.