Rosen Hristov: New technologies in energy mean new jobs and energy security

The Minister of Energy Rosen Hristov and Lesech Melgaard, Permanent Representative of the World Bank for Bulgaria, the Czech Republic and Slovakia, signed an agreement to provide consulting services for the development of geothermal energy in Bulgaria. Over the next 24 months, the World Bank will provide technical expertise based on global best practices and ideas for managing the country's geothermal energy resources. The project is financed under the Recovery and Sustainability Plan and is part of its implementation, announced the press center of the Ministry of Energy.

"Today's agreement shows that we have a clear and correct vision for the development of the sector with a focus on emission-free technologies and the dense use of our country's natural resources. The exploitation of geothermal energy will ensure the creation of new jobs and ensure a smooth transition to green energy. In just 8 months, we proved that our country can be a desirable and reliable partner in energy, by improving cooperation with institutions such as the World Bank and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development", stated Hristov.

For his part, Lesseh Melgaard thanked the Minister of Energy and his team for the professionalism and active work on concluding the agreement. "We are happy to continue our partnership with Bulgaria for the sustainable use of its natural resources, as well as to support the country's efforts to provide clean energy resources for the benefit of its citizens," said the permanent representative of the World Bank for Bulgaria, the Czech Republic and Slovakia.

The meeting also discussed the possibilities for cooperation in other fields of energy, including the creation of a comprehensive energy strategy for the country, based on the already developed vision and supporting the economic development of the coal regions with a focus on green technologies and production.

The World Bank team will provide analysis, technical expertise and recommendations for the establishment and operation of geothermal laboratories and geothermal centers of excellence, including in several Bulgarian universities. As part of the partnership, the financial institution will assist the ministry in identifying sites with good prospects for the use of geothermal energy, including for heating and cooling and electricity generation potential. In the overall assessment of the country's existing geothermal resources, the World Bank will also provide good practices for conducting environmental and social assessments.

Today's contract is the first within the scope of the new Framework Agreement for paid consulting services signed with the Bulgarian government last year, the purpose of which is to support with knowledge the implementation of projects in the EU program period 2021-2027.