Energy in Bulgaria

As a consequence of the recent cold spell gripping Bulgaria, the nation experienced a notable shift in its energy dynamics, emerging as a net importer of electricity on January 9. Despite possessing ample capacity, Bulgaria's electricity production struggles to compete in the market, leading to increased reliance on neighboring countries.

Bulgarian power generation industry is switching over to a "green mode" of operation. This is the conclusion based on the recent amendments to the Recovery and Resilience Plan that 3eNews has been able to obtain. The draft document shows that serious investments will be made in the subsidiary of TPP Maritza East 2, responsible for the new energy generating capacities.

Russian company "Gazprom Export" is ready to buy 90% of Turkish Stream capacity through Bulgaria, it became clear after 19th of December meeting of Bulgaria's Energy and Water Regulatory Commission (EWRC), at which the state-run gas transmission operator Bulgartransgaz asked for approval of the project.

Russian companies have expressed an interest in modernizing energy sites in Bulgaria. This was announced by Minister of Energy Temenujka Petkova, who participated in Moscow at the fourth meeting of the Working Group "Energy", part of the Intergovernmental Bulgarian-Russian Commission for Economic and Scientific and Technological Cooperation.

Bulgaria will discuss with Russia the potential construction of a gas distribution center on Bulgarian territory in compliance with the European Union legislation later this month, the government in Sofia said on Wednesday.

Bulgarian Prime Minister Boyko Borisov said on Sunday Sofia is not intending to take action against the Nord Stream-2 gas pipeline project.

On the sidelines of an EU-Turkey summit in Brussels, he commented on last week's reports by Reuters that Sofia would be one of the signatories to a letter calling on the EU Commission to scrutinize the project.

Russian Energy Minister Alexander Novak has said construction of the so-called Turkish Stream gas pipeline might begin later than planned.

There is a risk not to start building the pipeline's first section on schedule the intergovernmental agreement is not signed in time, Novak is quoted by RIA Novosti as saying.

Bulgaria is "also interested" in the realization of the Turkish Stream gas pipeline project, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Vasily A. Nebenzya has said.

In an interview with Russian news agency Interfax published on the website of the Foreign Ministry in Moscow [RU], he has explained that "many countries in Southern Europe" are interested in the project.

Russia may see its ambition to carry gas to Europe via the future Turkish Stream pipeline thwarted with the EU determined to cut its energy reliance on Russia and Turkey seeking big discounts for Russian gas in exchange for participating in the project, Reuters said on Wednesday.

The Greek section of the Turkish Stream pipeline will cost USD 2 billion, Greek Minister of Energy Panagiotis Lafazanis has said.

He told the Rossiya 24 broadcaster that there is "enormous interest" among Greek companies to build and use the gas pipeline.