The US finances us with 1.5 million dollars for the feasibility study for the construction of the East-West energy corridor

A new ESO project will connect the electricity transmission networks of the Balkan countries. A contract between the American Trade and Development Agency (USTDA) and the Electricity System Operator (ESO EAD) for free financing of the feasibility study for the construction of an East-West energy corridor was signed in the Council of Ministers. The event was attended by the Prime Minister Dimitar Glavchev, the Minister of Energy Vladimir Malinov, the US Ambassador to Bulgaria Kenneth Merten.

The contract for free financing worth nearly 1.5 million dollars was signed by the executive directors of ESO Angelin Tsachev and of the US Trade and Development Agency Eno T. Ebong.

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The project initiated by ESO is planned to connect the electricity transmission networks of Turkey, Bulgaria, Greece, the Republic of North Macedonia, Kosovo, Albania and Montenegro, with the possibility of reaching Italy.

The implementation of the project, if the feasibility study shows its viability, should increase the cross-border capacity of Bulgaria by more than 2000 megawatts on the borders of Bulgaria with the participating countries in the East-West corridor.

"Thank you to the ESO and USTDA teams for the great work they have done over the past few months. This collaborative activity led to today's event. With more and more renewable sources entering the energy mix in the countries of South East Europe, it is very important that we have a rapid development of the electricity infrastructure that enables the green energy produced in the countries of the South East Europe region to be shared and used effectively." said Angelin Tsachev.

In his words, the improvement of cross-border transmission capacity and the possibility of real-time exchange of energy produced from renewable sources in the region is of key importance for the effective utilization of green energy and the fulfillment of the goals related to decarbonization and green transformation.

The feasibility study, which will be carried out by the consulting company "Black&Veatch", should show the viability and necessity of the construction of four new transmission lines to increase the electricity transmission capacity to Romania, Greece, Turkey and the Republic of North Macedonia. As a result, the connection of more renewable energy sources to the network will be allowed, indicated Eno T. Ebong in turn, quoted by BTA. According to the head of the US Trade and Development Agency, Bulgaria's energy transition means building the necessary infrastructure and strengthening regional energy cooperation through expanded capacity for the transmission of green energy.

The American Trade and Development Agency wishes to support the renovation of the Sofia TPP and is already in contact with the Sofia Municipality, added Eno T. Ebong.

So far, the agency has financed more than 50 renewal activities in Bulgaria's energy, transport and telecommunications sectors.

Ambassador Merten said in his turn that the project is a great opportunity for Bulgaria to export the produced energy to its neighbors. The US government has always been happy to support your country in projects that affect the energy system," he said.

For his part, Eno T. Ebong pointed out that the USDTA supports a number of energy projects in our country with grants. "This project will strengthen Bulgaria's position in energy transmission, which will also benefit its neighbors," she pointed out.

"This project is a great opportunity for Bulgaria to export the produced energy to its neighbor. The US government has always been happy to support your country in projects affecting the energy system," said the US ambassador.

"First of all, this is another successful stage in the development of relations between Bulgaria and the USA. In the person of USDTA, there is a reliable partner whose expertise and professionalism are indisputable capital for the development of our relations, projects of the Bulgarian energy industry. What do we achieve with this project? The moment it is implemented, this means an increase in energy security - not only in Bulgaria, but also in the entire region," said the Minister of Energy. According to him, this is another step in the transformation of our energy industry towards a better future.

Prime Minister Glavchev pointed out that this ceremony marks the successful partnership between the two countries. "For our country, this cooperation is key from the point of view of the implementation of our country's priorities in the energy sphere and the successful implementation of the green transformation," said the Prime Minister.