site.btaEnergy Minister Holds Online Meeting with U.S. Acting Assistant Secretary for International Affairs Office

Outgoing Energy Minister Zhecho Stankov held an online meeting with U.S. Acting Assistant Secretary for the Office of International Affairs Tommy Joyce, the Energy Ministry said on Friday. The two discussed expanding and deepening the strategic partnership between Bulgaria and the United States in the energy sector, with a focus on projects of mutual interest and long-term significance for economic and energy security.

An understanding was reached to establish a joint expert group (Energy Project Team) to work at a technical level on priority projects, in addition to those in the field of nuclear energy. The team will aim to ensure continuity and efficiency in cooperation in three key areas: development in the field of critical raw materials and rare earth elements, where Bulgaria already has an established partnership with North Dakota and good prospects for further development; the implementation of pumped-storage hydropower plant projects in Bulgaria using U.S. technologies, which could make a significant contribution to balancing the energy system and integrating renewable energy sources; and the supply of liquefied natural gas and the development of infrastructure as a key element of efforts to diversify and enhance the security of energy supplies, the press release states.

“Partnership with the United States is of strategic importance for Bulgaria not only in nuclear energy, but also within the broader architecture of energy security. The establishment of a joint team is a clear sign that we are moving toward systematic, practical cooperation with a long-term vision,” Stankov stressed.

During the talks, current issues related to the construction of Units 7 and 8 at the Kozloduy Nuclear Power Plant were also discussed. Readiness was reaffirmed to continue active cooperation with laboratories of the U.S. Department of Energy regarding the study on the deployment of small modular reactors. In this regard, progress was noted on the feasibility study project implemented with the support of the U.S. Trade and Development Agency (USTDA), for which the procedure to select a consultant has already been launched.