site.btaEnergy Minister Designated Competent Authority under EU Regulation on Reduction of Methane Emissions in Energy Sector

The Council of Ministers has designated the Energy Minister as Bulgaria’s competent authority under Regulation (EU) 2024/1787 on the reduction of methane emissions in the energy sector, the Government Information Service said on Wednesday. 

The State Agency for Metrological and Technical Surveillance, through its head, has been designated a supporting organization to the competent authority. Activities related to oil and gas exploration and production, underground gas storage, liquefied natural gas terminals, the transmission and distribution of oil and gas, surface and underground coal mining, degassing stations, and the import of oil, gas, and coal will be monitored by the Minister of Energy. The Chair of the State Agency for Metrological and Technical Surveillance will assist with on-site technical inspections.

To meet the Regulation’s requirements, the competent authority will set up a single point of contact to liaise with obligated entities and with the European Commission’s network of competent authorities.

The European Climate Law, adopted in 2018, set the main goal of achieving climate neutrality across the whole economy by 2050. It also set a binding target for cutting greenhouse gas emissions in the European Union. Regulation (EU) 2024/1787 sets specific measures to reduce methane emissions in the energy sector. The competent authorities responsible for applying the Regulation in each country must ensure businesses comply effectively with their obligations.