Sofia University "St. Kliment Ohridski" and Aurubis Bulgaria have signed a partnership agreement. The Net-Zero Lab, an educational and research laboratory within the Faculty of Economics and Business Administration (FEBA), will collaborate with the largest German investor in the country to support techno-economic research, adapt business models, and provide specialized training related to reducing the carbon footprint of industry.

This collaboration is the first of its kind and was announced during a visit by FEBA to the production facilities of Aurubis Bulgaria. The copper smelting plant hosted a forum on the decarbonization strategy of the Aurubis AG Group, featuring experts from Germany, Belgium, the USA, Italy, and Bulgaria. Students and faculty members from the Master's programs "Energy Markets and Services" and "Responsible and Sustainable Governance" attended discussions with the international company's team on-site.

“This collaboration creates the necessary bridge between science and practice for implementing solutions to reduce carbon emissions and ensure circular resource management”, said Assoc. Prof. Dr. Atanas Georgiev, Dean of FEBA and Director of Net-Zero Lab. “We need to work together as a large team to achieve our goals. The extended hand between business and science is a way forward”, added Tim Kurt, Chief Operating Officer of the Aurubis Group and Executive Director of Aurubis Bulgaria.

The Net-Zero Lab, established this year as part of Sofia University’s FEBA, focuses on applied research, analyses, training, and tool development to support decision-making in the transition to a low-carbon economy.

During the visit, students and faculty toured Aurubis Bulgaria’s first solar park within its renewable energy complex and the copper cathode refinery. “On-site exposure to sustainable industrial practices is an invaluable experience for our students”, said Dr. Mariya Trifonova, Deputy Director of Net-Zero Lab. She highlighted the importance of intergenerational continuity, emphasizing that today’s actions lay the foundation for future generations. “This perspective underpins our partnership with Aurubis Bulgaria”, Dr. Trifonova added.

Aurubis is implementing a four-year program, Investments for Progress. Bulgaria 2027, worth BGN 800 million. The company is expanding its capacity to produce refined copper—a key export for Bulgaria and a critical material for the energy transition. The investment program includes energy efficiency projects, the construction of new photovoltaic plants, and the modernization of its core production facilities in Pirdop and Zlatitsa. The Aurubis Group aims to reduce its carbon emissions by 50% by 2030 and achieve neutrality by 2050.

Photos: Aurubis