Rosen Hristov: Bulgaria is consolidating its key role in energy projects in the region
The Minister of Energy discussed with his Romanian counterpart the idea of two HPPs on the Danube
"Bulgaria will continue to play a key role in energy projects in the region and be at the center of interaction." This was stated by the Minister of Energy Rosen Hristov, who took part in the international First Ministerial Energy Dialogue - Athens 2022, organized by the Greek Minister of Energy and Environment Kostas Skrekas.
During the discussion, Hristov outlined the main priorities on which the Bulgarian Ministry is working. According to him, the focus is on the active participation of our country in regional energy infrastructure projects, implementation of new technologies, increasing the share of green energy, including geothermal, as well as storage opportunities.
“I believe that green energy should be stored in a 'green' way. We are currently exploring a storage option similar to that in Chiren. If implemented, it will be beneficial both for Bulgaria, Greece and Romania", explained Hristov. He emphasized the efforts of the caretaker government to complete the natural gas transmission interconnector with Greece on time. "We do not stop here, we continue to work with our Greek partners to increase the capacity", added the energy minister.
During the event, Minister Hristov discussed with his Romanian colleague Virgil-Daniel Popescu the possibility of building two hydroelectric power plants on the Danube River. "There are such power plants in Austria, as well as bilateral ones - in Serbia and Romania. It is high time for Bulgaria to take advantage of this natural resource. In addition, in this way we also get two new bridges over the Danube river", emphasized Hristov. The signing of a memorandum of cooperation on these projects and detailed studies for their implementation is pending.