Minister Traikov Discussed Bulgaria’s Energy Priorities at an Official Meeting With U.S. Deputy Secretary of Energy James Danly
By the End of the Year, the Capacity for Natural Gas Transmission From Greece to Bulgaria Will Increase By 50%, and That Between Bulgaria and Romania Will Double
Bulgaria was highly appraised by James Danly, Deputy Secretary of Energy, for its active role in the development of the Vertical Gas Corridor during a meeting held at the U. S. Department of Energy with Traicho Traikov, Caretaker Minister of Energy. James Danly congratulated our country for the timely and consistent performance of construction works for the project’s gas transmission infrastructure on Bulgarian territory.
The transmission infrastructure is of crucial significance for the secure entry and following transit of natural gas in the region, Minister Traikov said. “Our country was the first to commence real construction along the Vertical Gas Corridor and is an active driver of regional efforts towards energy security,” the Minister stressed.
By the end of 2026, Bulgaria will conclude the expansion of the gas transmission network in key interconnection points: IP Kulata/Sidirokastro (Greece – Bulgaria) and IP Negru Vodă/Kardam (Bulgaria – Romania). These investments make Bulgaria a main transit country along the South-North Axis and a key route for liquefied natural gas (LNG) delivery, including LNG from the USA, towards Ukraine and countries in Central and Eastern Europe. Specific interest was expressed on behalf of the U.S. to use the Vertical Gas Corridor for American LNG deliveries.
Further strategic topics were also discussed during the meeting, including the advancement on construction of Kozloduy Nuclear Power Plant Units 7 and 8 with U.S. technology, as well as the role of the Burgas refinery for regional energy security following sanctions against Lukoil.
Our country’s leading role in the new energy security model for Europe was also emphasised by Energy Secretary Chris Wright with whom Minister Traikov spoke during the Transatlantic Gas Security Summit held 24 and 25 February in Washington.
Technical coordination and EU and U.S. support for the Vertical Gas Corridor
Earlier that day, a technical meeting was held at the U.S. Department of Energy dedicated to the Vertical Gas Corridor, bringing together officials from the energy ministries and Transmission System Operators (TSOs) of Bulgaria, Greece, Romania, Moldova, Ukraine, and the European Commission. The meeting was presided by Joshua Volz, U.S. Special Envoy for Global Energy Integration.
Further topics discussed during the meeting:
- Lifting regulatory and administrative restrictions and accelerating permit procedures;
- Harmonising and reducing cross-border tariffs to create a competitive market product;
- Possibilities for long-term capacity reservation and sustainable financial structuring of the Corridor;
- Full and efficient use of existing and newly built infrastructure.
Minister Traikov emphasised that existing supply of Russian gas at nonmarket prices remains the main challenge before the full implementation of the Corridor. Bulgaria upholds the EU-level commitment of phasing out Russian natural gas import – with a legally binding ban on Russian LNG starting end of 2026 and on pipeline gas from the autumn of 2027.
The Vertical Gas Corridor, competitive routes and Route products are not only infrastructural and commercial decisions in support of supply diversification and security for Europe, but also the backbone of the new energy security model in which Bulgaria plays a strategic and indispensable role, Minister Traicho Traikov stated.
