site.btaBulgaria Presents Strategic Energy Projects at UN General Assembly Roundtable

On the sidelines of the 80th session of the UN General Assembly in New York, Bulgarian Energy Minister Zhecho Stankov participated in a roundtable on investment opportunities in Bulgaria, the Ministry’s press office reported on Friday. The event, organized by the Delphi Economic Forum, was also attended by Bulgarian Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov, Greek Minister of Environment and Energy Stavros Papastavrou, and representatives of American and international business.

Speaking to participants, Stankov presented Bulgaria’s strategic energy projects, highlighting the country’s role as a key player in Southeastern Europe.

“Over the past year, we have achieved impressive cooperation with Greece in the energy sector, including joint work on the Vertical Gas Corridor, supported by seven countries. This project will provide access to US liquefied natural gas not only for Bulgaria and Greece but also for Central Europe, including Austria,” Stankov said. He emphasized Bulgaria’s role in diversifying energy supplies, which is crucial for sustainable development and regional stability.

Among Bulgaria’s strategic priorities, the Minister highlighted projects including the construction of new nuclear units with a combined capacity of 2 GW at the Kozloduy Nuclear Power Plant, with Citibank already supporting the project as the lead financial institution coordinating funding for Kozloduy Units 7 and 8; the construction of four new pumped-storage hydroelectric plants to balance the grid; the development of renewable energy sources; and large-scale energy storage investments, including 10,000 MWh of installed batteries to store low-cost solar power. According to Stankov, these measures ensure long-term stability, low-carbon energy production, and competitive prices for consumers.

With more than 50 years of experience in nuclear energy, Bulgaria is ready to expand its portfolio with small modular reactors and to develop a platform for future data centres, Stankov said. “While building such centres takes decades in other countries, Bulgaria can offer significantly shorter timelines, making it attractive to international investors and partners,” he noted.

“Bulgaria is and will remain a reliable energy exporter, with a clear vision for the future, stable infrastructure, and the ambition to lead the region’s energy transition,” Stankov emphasized.