site.btaVice President Urges State to Guarantee Energy Security and Drive Economic Growth

Vice President Iliana Iotova said major energy projects in Bulgaria should be guided by a strong ambition: the State must ensure both citizens' energy security and rapid economic growth, using all national and European resources. On Tuesday, she addressed the National Conference COMPASS 2025, dedicated to major projects in Bulgarian energy, examined through the prism of geopolitics, national security and diplomacy, the President's press secretariat said.

Bulgaria must position itself as an active player in European and regional energy architecture, not as a peripheral state, Iotova said. This country can reclaim its role as an energy factor in Southeastern Europe, with energy diplomacy enhancing its influence on the continent while maintaining national energy autonomy amid international challenges.

The Vice President reviewed trends in Europe's energy security and market in recent years, emphasizing that energy strategy must remain flexible. She noted that nuclear energy is increasingly seen as part of the European Green Deal's transition. "The long-standing schism over nuclear energy has been resolved, and it is now considered part of the green transition," said Iotova.

Regarding the RePowerEU plan, Iotova said its goals of diversification and greater reliance on renewable energy are still in early stages. She also highlighted the EU's USD 750 billion, three-year commitment for US energy supplies, stressing the need for investments in terminals, gas infrastructure, transport and logistics.

Bulgaria's main energy challenge is ensuring adequate electricity supply, Iotova said. "Tomorrow's world will be increasingly electric - driven by the internet, advanced technologies and the growing use of electric vehicles, all of which require powerful and stable energy providers," she noted, adding that the planned AI gigafactory in Bulgaria will demand massive amounts of electricity.

Iotova stressed the need for a clear national energy mix and emphasized that Bulgaria still lacks a strategic vision for sustainable development of its electricity sector approved by Parliament.

Iotova highlighted nuclear energy, noting that in countries with nuclear power it typically provides a baseline, averaging 50% of the energy mix. She said that building Units 7 and 8 at Kozloduy Nuclear Power Plant would be the largest industrial project in decades.

Reflecting on the Belene Nuclear Power Plant Project, she called it a symbol of division, lobbying, difficulties, indecision and politicization in energy policy, and urged a reliable expert evaluation of the possibility to use the available equipment, which has cost billions. New nuclear capacities would create jobs and ensure regional employment, the Vice President said.