site.btaBulgaria Needs Stronger Regional Energy Cooperation – Bulgartransgaz CEO

Speaking at the Sofia Economic Forum VI on Tuesday, Bulgartransgaz CEO Vladimir Malinov stressed the need to strengthen regional cooperation in the energy sector. He highlighted the importance of adopting a broader regional perspective, beyond whether a country is an EU member, and urged coordinated efforts that go beyond bilateral agreements. 

Expanding infrastructure in a single country, he noted, is ineffective if neighbouring states take no action. "When obstacles arise, the solution is to work together regionally and pool our efforts," Malinov said.

He also highlighted the importance of promoting public-private partnerships, particularly in the energy sector. Malinov emphasized that natural gas remains crucial for stabilizing the electricity grid, as electricity demand in Europe is expected to rise with the development of artificial intelligence.

Malinov praised the Bulgarian government for providing a secure and predictable energy market for households.

Julian Popov, former minister of environment, noted that solar energy has grown steadily in recent years. He said Bulgaria is performing well in solar energy development and in installing storage batteries, with capacity continuing to increase.

Popov added that, globally, Europe lags behind in the electrification of its economy and industry.