site.btaBulgaria, Japan Discuss Ways to Boost Energy Cooperation

Bulgarian Energy Minister Zhecho Stankov met with Japanese Ambassador Hisashi Michigami to discuss ways to deepen bilateral cooperation, with a focus on strategic energy partnership, the Energy Ministry said on Friday.

"Bulgaria and Japan are building on a solid foundation in their relations, particularly in the energy sector. Our work so far has shown the potential for expanding cooperation, and I am convinced that together we can carry out large-scale initiatives of mutual interest," Stankov said.

Stankov informed the diplomat of his upcoming visit to Osaka, where energy companies will participate in Expo 2025. Bulgaria is planning to showcase key energy projects aimed at positioning it as a regional balancer and guarantor of supply security. Projects include the construction of four new pumped-storage power plants, energy storage initiatives, new nuclear capacities at the Kozloduy Nuclear Power Plant, and other long-term strategic undertakings.

The meeting also highlighted past cooperation with Toshiba, which more than 30 years ago contributed to the construction of Bulgaria's Chaira facility, the largest pumped-storage power station in the Balkans.