site.btaEnergy Minister in Washington, DC: Bulgaria Reaffirms Position as Reliable Partner in Transatlantic Energy Cooperation

A Bulgarian delegation led by Energy Minister Zhecho Stankov held a series of meetings with representatives of the US Department of State and the Department of Energy, the Energy Ministry said on Friday. The discussions focused on deepening the strategic partnership between the two countries in the energy sector, expanding joint projects, ensuring reliable liquefied natural gas (LNG) supplies for Southeastern Europe, and strengthening regional energy connectivity.

Meeting with Andrew Stowe, Acting Principal Deputy Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs, Stankov said: "Bulgaria is reaffirming its position as a reliable and predictable partner in transatlantic energy cooperation." He highlighted crucial opportunities for cooperation in the sector and presented progress on two nationally and regionally significant projects: the construction of Units 7 and 8 at the Kozloduy Nuclear Power Plant, and the implementation of the Vertical Gas Corridor. The potential for American investment in strategic areas such as critical minerals and advanced technologies was also discussed.

The role of institutions in promoting sustainable business projects in the energy and high-tech sectors was the focus of Stankov's meeting with Thomas E. Lersten, Acting Under Secretary of State for Economic Growth, Energy, and the Environment. The two discussed the potential for intergovernmental cooperation, aimed at creating a predictable and supportive framework for developing business partnerships between companies from both countries.

Meeting with Tommy Joyce, Acting Assistant Secretary for the Office of International Affairs at the Department of Energy, Stankov said: "Long-term energy security requires collective effort. The United States is a powerful ally to Bulgaria in implementing regionally significant projects and achieving genuine diversification of energy sources." He stressed the strategic partnership with Westinghouse in nuclear energy. The idea of organizing a specialized investment forum targeting companies interested in the energy sector was also discussed.

Ensuring the country's energy independence and strengthening Bulgaria's role as a key energy hub in the region were among the main topics discussed by Zhecho Stankov and Dan Negrea, Senior Advisor at the Export-Import Bank of the United States (EXIM). Stankov presented the government's long-term vision, based on the development of nuclear energy and the sustainable transformation of the sector, stressing the importance of reliable financial and technological partnerships. EXIM Bank's readiness to provide funding for the largest Bulgarian energy project in decades, the construction of Units 7 and 8 of the Kozloduy Nuclear Power Plant, was discussed at the meeting.

Talks with representatives of GE Vernova reflected a strong interest and a vision for expanded presence on the Bulgarian market. Chief Corporate Officer Roger Martella and Managing Director George A. Pickart expressed interest in participating in future projects related to the modernization of Bulgaria's energy systems. Stankov underscored Bulgaria's commitment to a secure, independent and low-carbon energy sector: "This lays the foundation for new opportunities, including the development of small modular reactors and innovative infrastructure."

Stankov also held meetings with business representatives, investors and officials at roundtable discussions hosted by PRISM, a US organization supporting critical and rare earth mineral supply chain resilience, and the USLNG Association.