site.btaEnergy Minister, EC Executive Vice President Ribera Discuss Country’s Energy Priorities

Energy Minister Zhecho Stankov and European Commission Executive Vice President for a Clean, Fair and Competitive Transition Teresa Rivera discussed key priorities and challenges for the development of the energy sector in Bulgaria and the region.

Minister Stankov thanked Ribera for the productive and effective dialogue with the European Commission regarding the updated Integrated National Energy and Climate Plan. “Thanks to this cooperation, our country now has a clear vision for the sector's development, based on broad public consensus and solid, objective indicators,” he emphasized.

He drew particular attention to the need for long-term and sustainable solutions for Bulgaria’s coal regions, noting that lignite coal remains a critical component of national energy security during the transition period. “We are discussing the potential for co-firing lignite with biomass as a solution to reduce CO₂ emissions,” Stankov said, underscoring the government’s active efforts to develop a long-term decarbonization strategy.

The meeting also highlighted the development of Units 7 and 8 of Kozloduy N-power plant and the prospects for building four new pumped-storage hydropower plants as key elements of efforts to establish a secure, competitive, and sustainable energy system aligned with EU green objectives.

According to Minister Stankov, the Ministry of Energy aims to have Unit 7 of Kozloduy NPP operational by 2035, with Unit 8 to follow two years later. Both parties agreed that close cooperation with the European Commission is essential to ensure the successful and timely implementation of these strategic projects. "The projects for new pumped-storage hydropower plants, as well as the restoration of Chaira- the largest facility of its kind in the Balkans — are top priorities for the Ministry in ensuring the balancing of the electricity system," noted Stankov.

He noted that in the coming months, the preparation of all necessary documentation for the construction of the new facilities will begin. Various public-private partnership models are currently being explored for the implementation of these projects.

The meeting was also attended by Deputy Energy Minister Krasimir Nenov and Petyo Ivanov, Executive Director of Kozloduy NPP - New Builds.