The energy priorities of the Belgian Presidency of the Council of the EU were the focus of the meeting between Ministers Rumen Radev and Tine Van der Straaten
Promoting sustainable energy infrastructure, providing renewable offshore energy for all, facilitating international trade in hydrogen - these are some of the energy priorities of the Belgian Presidency of the Council of the EU, which were among the central topics of Energy Minister Radev's discussion in Brussels with his Belgian counterpart Tinne Van der Straeten. The meeting was also attended by Deputy Minister Iva Petrova and the Head of the Political Cabinet Karina Angelieva.
In terms of the current legislative program, the focus of the Belgian Presidency's actions is the exploitation of the potential of energy efficiency and the development of renewable and low-carbon energy. Investments to ensure a flexible and integrated European energy network are essential to fulfill this goal, stressed Ms. Van der Straeten. In the conversation, Minister Radev presented the potential of the region for the development of solar and wind energy. It should be considered in a wider context - both in the Black Sea region and in the Adriatic and the Aegean Seas. This approach would imply greater interest from potential producers in deploying connectivity, including also for the construction of a common offshore network, as well as opportunities to use a common market area.
It is also important for the region to promote the development of the hydrogen market, using the available opportunities, within the framework of the Vertical Gas Corridor as well. In this process, prioritizing local production in the EU over increasing imports from third countries is of vital importance.
A larger-scale entry of renewable energy sources into the energy mix would be possible with a parallel development of baseload capacities. Minister Radev informed his colleague about our country's intention to build units 7 and 8 of Kozloduy NPP. Thus, nuclear energy and RES will provide the backbone for the development of the Bulgarian electricity system in the coming decades.
The development of sustainable infrastructure, the integration of RES as well as the deployment of offshore energy will be central topics during the informal meeting of the energy ministers on 15 and 16 April 2024, informed the Belgian Minister of Energy.