Sofia University and Aurubis join forces on the path to a low-carbon economy

Sofia University "St. Kliment Ohridski" and Aurubis Bulgaria have concluded a partnership agreement. The teaching-scientific laboratory at the Faculty of Economics (Net-Zero Lab) will cooperate with the largest German investor in Bulgaria to support technical-economic studies, adaptation of business models and specialized training related to the process of reducing the carbon footprint of the industry.

The partnership of the two organizations is the first of its kind. It was announced during a visit by the Faculty of Economics staff to the production base of Aurubis Bulgaria. The copper factory hosted a forum on the decarbonization strategy of the Aurubis AG Group with experts from Germany, Belgium, the USA, Italy and Bulgaria in attendance. Students and lecturers from Sofia University’s master's programs "Energy Markets and Services" and "Responsible and Sustainable Management" arrived on site for discussions with the team of the international company.

"This collaboration creates the necessary connection between science and practice for implementing solutions to reduce carbon emissions and introduce circular resource management," said Assoc. Prof. Dr. Atanas Georgiev, Dean of the Faculty of Economics and Director of Net-Zero Lab.

The laboratory was established this year at the Faculty of Economics of Sofia University for the applied research, analysis, training and development of tools to support decision-making in the transition to a low-carbon economy.

We need to work together as a big team to achieve our goals. Business and science joining hands is a way to move forward", added Tim Kurth, Chief Operating Officer of Aurubis Group and Executive Director of Aurubis Bulgaria.

During the visit, the students and lecturers visited the first solar park of the Aurubis Bulgaria renewable energy complex and the cathode copper refinery.

On-site exposure to sustainable industrial practices is a valuable incentive for our students," shared Maria Trifonova, PhD, Deputy Director of Net-Zero Lab.

She drew attention to the continuity between generations and that the actions we take today are the foundation upon which future generations will build their tomorrow.

This perspective is the basis of our partnership with Aurubis Bulgaria", emphasized Trifonova.

The company is busy implementing a four-year program called "Investments for progress. Bulgaria 2027" worth 400 million euros. Aurubis Bulgaria is expanding its capacity for the production of refined copper – one of the main export resources of Bulgaria and a key material in the energy transition. The investment program includes projects for energy efficiency, the construction of new photovoltaic plants and the modernization of the main production centres near Pirdop and Zlatitsa.

Aurubis Group is implementing a strategy to reduce its carbon emissions by 50% by 2030. and achieving neutrality by 2050.

Translated by Tzvetozar Vincent Iolov