Minister Traikov met with U.S. Special envoy for global energy integration in Sofia
Minister of Energy Traicho Traikov held a meeting with U.S. Special Envoy for Global Energy Integration at the Department of Energy Joshua Volz and Department of Energy Regional Office Director Arlene Fetizanan. Chargé d'Affaires at the U.S. Embassy in Bulgaria H. Martin McDowell and Deputy Ministers Teodora Georgieva and Krasimir Nenov also took part in the discussion.
The meeting focused on developing the Vertical Gas Corridor which is establishing itself as a key element of Europe’s long-term energy security. The potential for more efficient use of the existing infrastructure and international agreements in the Bulgarian energy sector was also discussed. The U.S. side confirmed its readiness to support infrastructure development, emphasising the significance of the corridor as a reliable and flexible platform for natural gas delivery, including to Ukraine. The leading role of Bulgaria and the achieved advancement were underscored, along with our contribution to extending routes 1, 2 and 3 towards Ukraine as a one stop shop solution for competitive LNG routes for reliable partners – of crucial importance in times of crisis.
Considering the long-term role of natural gas as a main balancing factor in the European energy mix, where the share remains close to 40%, the Vertical Gas Corridor will provide a resilient route for diversified supplies from the East Mediterranean and global LNG markets to Central and Eastern Europe. The key looping of Rupcha-Vetrino will allow for additional capacity of 5 to 10 billion cubic metres along the Trans-Balkan Pipeline, as well as the expansion of the Bulgarian-Greece interconnector from 3 to 5 billion cubic metres.
Minister Traikov and U.S. Special Envoy also discussed developing key electricity projects. ESO’s work on the East-West Corridor with a capacity of 5,000 MW, which will allow for efficient use of the renewable energy production potential of the Caucasus, was highlighted.
The strategic partnership with Westinghouse in building Kozloduy Nuclear Power Plant’s new capacity with the AP1000 technology was also discussed. The parties stressed the significance of nuclear energy as a stable and predictable source necessary for the development of cutting-edge industries, including data centres and AI-related technology.
The conversation outlined the growing interrelationship between energy security, infrastructure development and economic competitiveness. Minister Traikov and Joshua Volz united around the understanding that the complexity of contemporary energy and geopolitical challenges demand deepened cooperation based on shared strategic goals and sustainable partnerships.
