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Local roots. Global vision. Smart science.

Scientific research

Scientific research

We develop innovative solutions and technologies for the sustainable use of biomass, aimed at protecting the environment and improving energy efficiency.
Technology<br> and knowledge<br>transfer

Technology
and knowledge
transfer

We support the implementation of scientific achievements in practice through the exchange of know-how, technologies and best practices between business, science and society.
Alternative structure for higher education

Alternative structure for higher education

We are creating a modern educational environment that offers trainings, specialisations, and innovative programmes in the field of cleantech and effective biomass resources.

News and Events

Workshop with companies
10 September 2025

Workshop with companies

We offer workshops with Bulgarian and foreign companies.
CCBRE: Grand Opening
09 September 2025

CCBRE: Grand Opening

We are celebrating our official opening on the 9th of September 2025
Participation in the Swiss Green Economy Symposium
01 September 2025

Participation in the Swiss Green Economy Symposium

We will be actively participating in Switzerland's largest conference on economics and sustainability
Targeted course for specialists
21 August 2025

Targeted course for specialists

We offer targeted courses on EU funding opportunities for scientific projects and how to write successful proposals.

Our team

CENTRE FOR CLEANTECH
AND BIOMASS RESOURCE EFFICIENCY

Our team is diverse, so some of our colleagues don't speak Bulgarian. Other languages we use at work are English (everyone) and German (some of the team). Our core team: Prof. Dr. Petar Mandaliev (ERA-Chair Holder | Recycling at FHNW Switzerland), Prof. Dr. Violina Rizova , née Angelova (Group Leader for Research and Development in the field of Agricultural Chemistry), Dr. Hadi Mahdipour (Head of Data Science and AI) & Dimitrina Shindova, LL.M. (Head of Transfer Operations and Outreach Activities). 
CENTRE FOR CLEANTECHAND BIOMASS RESOURCE EFFICIENCY

Our values

 

Vision

We conduct world-leading scientific research and develop innovative solutions for a sustainable future.

Mission

We conduct pioneering fundamental and applied scientific research while training the next generation of experts. We encourage internal and external collaboration in service to society, industry and government. We address complex energy, resource and environmental challenges using our unique experimental infrastructure and cutting-edge capabilities in artificial intelligence.

Main strategy

In collaboration with partners from academia, research, industries and the public sector, we aim to generate tangible benefits for society. Our focus is on bridging the gap between fundamental research and practical application, particularly within technology readiness levels (TRL) 1 to 6. To achieve this, we build strong partnerships with other expert groups to ensure that our research is effective and focused on finding practical solutions.
Main strategy

Projects

Ongoing projects

Detecting foreign substances with a smartphone (2025-2028)

The project "Foreign substance detection with smartphone" focuses on an AI-supported algorithm for image analysis. Using a smartphone camera, this algorithm recognises and classifies foreign matter in green waste in Swiss municipalities. CCBRE is developing and validating this algorithm on the basis of training data, optimising the detection accuracy under real conditions and delivering a prototype for mobile application. The CCBRE is working closely with the FHNW and the Biomasse Suisse association to further develop the model in order to make it even more precise at neighbourhood and street section level. The aim is to develop a turnkey solution that will enable municipalities to predict and monitor contaminant levels in real time and at low cost.
Ongoing projects

Feasibility assessment of certification for a manure composting and carbon credit generation project - Bulgaria (2025)

CCBRE is conducting a feasibility study for composting poultry and pig manure in the Ruse region (Bulgaria) to reduce methane emissions, produce organic biofertiliser and generate CO₂ certificates according to the Gold Standard and other recognised standards. Sensitivity and yield analyses are used to run through various scenarios and identify potential risk factors such as market access, political framework conditions and supply guarantees. CCBRE formulates strategic recommendations for successful project realisation and for cooperation with buyers, brokers and platforms.
Ongoing projects

Development and commissioning of a multi-stage activated carbon filter system at the Benkovski wastewater treatment plant

The development and commissioning of a multi-stage filter system comprising gravel, sand and activated carbon is intended to facilitate the advanced removal of micropollutants at the Benkovski wastewater treatment plant. As part of the 'Services for Companies' programme, CCBRE is developing a new type of multi-layer filter for the wastewater treatment plant in Benkovski, Plovdiv region, for the Trakia Economic Zone. This consists of different mineral layers and activated carbon stacked on top of each other.

Upcoming projects

Development of an innovative, phosphorus-rich organic recyclable fertilizer (2026-2029)

The first research topic focuses on producing a high-quality, phosphorus-rich fertiliser from biogenic waste and sewage sludge by-products (struvite). To this end, municipal and agricultural residues collected separately, as well as struvite from sewage treatment plants, are processed by fermentation and composting. The goal is to create a fertiliser with an effect comparable to synthetic phosphate fertilisers (SSP, DAP and MAP), but without the use of additional chemicals and at a lower cost.
Upcoming projects

Precise measurement of microplastics to improve the quality of organic recycled fertilizers (2026-2029)

This project deals with the development of a fast, cost-efficient technology for the quan-tification of microplastics (< 5 mm) in large sample quantities of recycled fertilisers. The aim is to develop a practical method that strengthens farmers' confidence in recycled fertilisers and promotes their distribution.
Upcoming projects

Mobility of microplastics in soil and uptake by plants (2026-2029)

This project investigates the transport of microplastics in soils and their uptake by agriculturally relevant plants. The results are used to assess the risk of microplastic contamination and to derive measures to minimise inputs into soils and plants.
Associated projects

Options for limiting the impact of mercury on the environment and ecological health (by 2026)

This project focuses on the identification and management of terrestrial and aquatic ecosys-tems contaminated with mercury. Comprehensive analyses are used to gain fundamental scientific knowledge in order to clarify which measures are suitable for containing the spread and bioaccumulation of mercury in soils and water bodies. On this basis, the actual extent of the risk is assessed with regard to ecological and health consequences.
Associated projects

Critical and Strategic Raw Materials for the Green Transition and Sustainable Development" (2024-2029)

Against the background of global climate targets and the EU "Green Deal" strategy, this project investigates which energy crops and agricultural residues are suitable for sustainable energy production. It analyses how biomass can contribute to greenhouse gas reduction as a renewable energy source and which sustainability criteria must be met in accordance with the Renewable Energy Sources Act (Section 37 (3-6)) and EU Directive 2018/2001. The focus is on plants with high productivity, low nutrient requirements and valuable biomass composition as well as the evaluation of ecosystem side effects and soil protection.
Associated projects

Green technologies for the extraction of critical and strategic raw materials (ongoing)

Green technologies for the extraction of critical and strategic raw materials This project is dedicated to the phytomining process, in which metal-hyperaccumulating plants are used to extract metals from biomass. Under the leadership of Prof Dr Rizova, research is being carried out into how such plants can absorb metals from contaminated soils and industrial waste as a cost-effective, renewable source of raw materials.

CENTRE FOR CLEANTECH
AND BIOMASS RESOURCE EFFICIENCY

Local roots. Global vision. Smart science.

Contact us

12 Mendeleev St., BG-4000 Plovdiv
Campus of the Agricultural University of Plovdiv

09:00 — 17:00
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