Minister Zhecho Stankov: We are working on the implementation of key projects that will make Bulgaria an indispensable energy factor
„We are working on the implementation of key projects that will make Bulgaria an indispensable energy factor.“ This is what the Minister of Energy Zhecho Stankov said at the Sixth Delphi Forum in Washington. He took part in a high-level discussion on the new energy diplomacy map. During the international forum, which was held in the United States of America, the Bulgarian minister presented the projects the government is working on in the energy sector. He drew attention to Bulgaria's active efforts to strengthen national and regional energy security through connectivity and the introduction of new, innovative technologies in the energy sector to ensure secure and affordable energy for consumers. "In this process, solidarity between the countries of the region is of utmost importance and we will continue to work to deepen these ties," he said.
The energy minister pointed to the development of nuclear energy as another key part of the government's concept for turning Bulgaria into a hub for clean, competitive and sustainable electricity production.
During the working visit to the USA, Minister Stankov had an extremely fruitful meeting with Congressman Troy Balderson, Chairman of the House Energy Action Team (HEAT). During the conversation, the opportunities for future cooperation as well as the upgrading of the Bulgarian-US relations in the energy sector were discussed.
Minister Zhecho Stankov also participated in a round table, to which large American companies were invited. The event was organised by the Business Council for International Understanding and took place in Washington. Minister Stankov invited the American business to invest in the Bulgarian energy sector and had personal talks with representatives of the American giants - Microsoft, Blackstone, Honeywell, General Electric, Caterpillar and others. He also shared a new initiative of the Ministry of Energy to hold a roadshow to present to foreign investors the opportunities in Bulgaria for building data centres.
Minister Stankov identified the area around Kozloduy NPP as the most suitable place for the development of artificial intelligence and data centres. This is the case in terms of energy security and security of supply, as well as the principle of generating electricity where it is needed.
The energy minister also drew attention to the government's efforts in the decarbonisation process, which are also the objectives of the European Union. In this regard, he pointed to the two new PSHPPs under development at the Dospat and Batak dams, where the installation of 1600-2000 MW of new energy storage capacity is expected. In his words, this would turn Bulgaria into an energy leader in the Balkans. At the meetings with the business representatives, Minister Stankov discussed the opportunities for American companies to invest in the new PSHPPs as well as in future geothermal projects.
