Rss feed Rss feed Tue, 19 Mar 2024 06:11:40 +0200 Zend_Feed_Writer 2 (http://framework.zend.com) https://www.me.government.bg Security of energy supply and preparations for the next winter period were discussed at the EU Transport, Telecommunications and Energy Counc Mon, 04 Mar 2024 22:00:00 +0000 https://www.me.government.bg/en/news/security-of-energy-supply-and-preparations-for-the-next-winter-period-were-discussed-at-the-eu-transport-telecommunications-and-energy-counc-3384.html https://www.me.government.bg/en/news/security-of-energy-supply-and-preparations-for-the-next-winter-period-were-discussed-at-the-eu-transport-telecommunications-and-energy-counc-3384.html Minister Rumen Radev's speech focused on the Vertical Gas Corridor Project


Security of energy supply and preparations for the next winter season were the main topics of the agenda of EU Council on Transport, Telecommunications and Energy held on 4 March 2024. Energy Minister Rumen Radev said the energy transformation should guarantee national and energy security, which in the current geopolitical challenges is impossible without regional solidarity and co-operation in the regions of Southeast, Eastern and Central Europe.The Energy Minister underlined Bulgaria's ongoing efforts regarding the diversification of energy sources, including nuclear fuel and natural gas supplies, as well as the development of network connectivity with neighbouring countries. He stressed the critical role in diversifying the supply and transit of natural gas to Central and South-Eastern Europe of the operational gas interconnectors with Romania, Greece and Serbia, adding that the opening of the LNG terminal in Alexandroupolis, expected in April, would further support what has been achieved so far in this direction. In addition, the project to double the capacity of the underground gas storage facility, currently under way, will also contribute to energy security.


Minister Rumen Radev highlighted the development of the Vertical Gas Corridor project, which is key for the countries of the Central and South-Eastern Europe, especially against the background of the expected imminent suspension of Russian gas transit through Ukraine as of 1 January 2025.


“The Vertical Gas Corridor is a strategic common project involving Greece, Bulgaria, Romania, Hungary and now Slovakia, Ukraine and Moldova, and concerns security of supply, sustainability and diversification for South-Eastern, Central and Eastern Europe. This project is vital for unlocking the enormous potential of the Ukrainian gas network“, Minister Radev said. He expressed the opinion that European efforts should focus on this region, including by providing the necessary financial support from the EU.

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EU energy ministers discussed the importance of flexibility as a key tool for energy transition Mon, 04 Mar 2024 22:00:00 +0000 https://www.me.government.bg/en/news/eu-energy-ministers-discussed-the-importance-of-flexibility-as-a-key-tool-for-energy-transition-3385.html https://www.me.government.bg/en/news/eu-energy-ministers-discussed-the-importance-of-flexibility-as-a-key-tool-for-energy-transition-3385.html Flexibility as a key tool for the energy transition was among the topics discussed at the Transport, Telecommunications and Energy EU Council in Brussels on 4 March 2024. Energy Minister Rumen Radev expressed Bulgaria's position that a common European energy policy must take into account national specificities, such as levels of development, competitiveness and energy intensity, energy infrastructure and mix, local resources and dependence on energy imports.

He stressed that in order to unlock flexibility and respond to market demand, it is important to introduce reforms in the energy market and remove regulatory barriers, and emphasized the need for investment in networks.

“We must continue to expand, upgrade and digitize the network infrastructure, both the cross-border and the local one, with a focus on cooperation between the transmission and distribution networks. This is the way to support energy transmission, storage and integration of regional energy systems“, Minister Radev said. He stressed the need for a targeted EU approach to consumer protection and to enabling Community countries to implement flexible solutions to manage energy demand.

Another accent from Minister Rumen Radev's speech was the need to analyze the adequacy at pan-European level for the entire synchronous area of continental Europe.

 
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Balkan Gas Hub launches procedure for selection of a clearing house Thu, 22 Feb 2024 22:00:00 +0000 https://www.me.government.bg/en/news/balkan-gas-hub-launches-procedure-for-selection-of-a-clearing-house-3379.html https://www.me.government.bg/en/news/balkan-gas-hub-launches-procedure-for-selection-of-a-clearing-house-3379.html Ministry of Energy informs the interested parties that Balkan Gas Hub EAD initiates a procedure for the selection of clearing services provider for the needs of the Balkan Gas Hub EAD market in accordance with Article 175, paragraph 3 of the Energy Act, under which the operator of an organized natural gas exchange markets shall conclude contract with a clearing house service provider.

Links to the documents related to the procedure can be found here.

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Bulgaria and France signed a Declaration on cooperation in civil nuclear energy Wed, 21 Feb 2024 22:00:00 +0000 https://www.me.government.bg/en/news/bulgaria-and-france-signed-a-declaration-on-cooperation-in-civil-nuclear-energy-3377.html https://www.me.government.bg/en/news/bulgaria-and-france-signed-a-declaration-on-cooperation-in-civil-nuclear-energy-3377.html Energy Minister Rumen Radev and Minister of Economy, Finance and Industrial and Digital Sovereignty of the French Republic, Bruno Le Maire, signed a Declaration of Intent to cooperate in civil nuclear energy between the two countries. This happened at a meeting in Paris on 21 February.

The Declaration aims at establishing a framework for strengthening cooperation in nuclear energy. It includes exchanges between relevant nuclear programmes, cooperation between nuclear industries and supply chains, promoting the participation of industrial enterprises on both sides in new projects, research into safety, development and innovation, keeping and raising the high level of knowledge and expertise by enhancing cooperation in training and education, etc.

Minister Bruno Le Maire: 'We want to extend our cooperation with Bulgaria to other areas with regard to nuclear energy. This includes cooperation in the supply chain, skills development. I set out the idea of a project of common interest in the nuclear field because you know that we have projects of common interest on many topics, including raw materials, hydrogen. It is worth having projects of common interest in the field of nuclear energy as well”.

Minister Rumen Radev: 'I would like to express how happy we are with the signing of this Declaration for nuclear cooperation. When we share know-how on technology, education and training programmes between Bulgaria and France in the nuclear field, this means that we also share an understanding of the future, and also of our security and competitiveness, a green future based on real baseload, on low carbon energy that is secure, reliable and gives us the chance to be sustainable, competitive and to develop our economies in the best possible way.”


Nuclear energy, decarbonisation goals and renewable energy development opportunities were key topics during the meeting of Minister Rumen Radev and Minister Bruno Le Maire.

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Bulgarian energy by 2035: RES, storage facilities and new nuclear units Mon, 19 Feb 2024 22:00:00 +0000 https://www.me.government.bg/en/news/bulgarian-energy-by-2035-res-storage-facilities-and-new-nuclear-units-3375.html https://www.me.government.bg/en/news/bulgarian-energy-by-2035-res-storage-facilities-and-new-nuclear-units-3375.html Deputy Energy Minister Iva Petrova participated in the Energy Summit Forum 2024organised by “The Capital” newspaper

12 gigawatts of RES, energy storage facilities and 2 gigawatts of new nuclear units – this will be the “backbone” of the electricity system by 2035, Deputy Energy Minister Iva Petrova said during her participation in the Energy Summit Forum 2024 organised by The Capital newspaper.

The discussion, also attended by the Minister of Environment and Water Julian Popov, addressed the main challenges for the development of the energy system in the coming decades.

The modelling for the update of the Integrated National Energy and Climate Plan builds on the results of the work within the Energy Transition Committee, the territorial just transition plans and the Decarbonisation roadmap. Over the next few years, the country's energy system will continue to rely on current capacities that will operate fully on a market basis.

Network development, interconnection at regional level and changing consumer behaviour have been highlighted as major challenges for the development of the sector in the coming decades. Among them, changing consumer attitudes is the hardest task, according to the participants in the discussion. In their view, social issues related to energy poverty and vulnerable consumers should not be confused with the investment process. The opposite means destruction of investment activity and lack of development.

In the opinion of Deputy Minister Iva Petrova, the need to form a critical mass of knowledge about energy consumption in society is a key factor in changing consumer attitudes. She explained that information campaigns on this subject should target both consumers and market participants themselves.

 
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The Council of Ministers approved the GREENABLER Project of ESO EAD for financing with funds from the Modernization Fund Tue, 13 Feb 2024 22:00:00 +0000 https://www.me.government.bg/en/news/the-council-of-ministers-approved-the-greenabler-project-of-eso-ead-for-financing-with-funds-from-the-modernization-fund-3371.html https://www.me.government.bg/en/news/the-council-of-ministers-approved-the-greenabler-project-of-eso-ead-for-financing-with-funds-from-the-modernization-fund-3371.html The GREENABLER Project of ESO EAD was approved by the Council of Ministers for financing with funds from the Modernization Fund.

Currently, Bulgaria has about EUR 265 million available for financing priority and non-priority projects. In order to meet the time frame for the inclusion of specific projects for approval by the Investment Committee in 2024, the Council of Ministers has approved a List of priority investments proposed for financing with funds from the Modernization Fund. At the next stage, other project proposals will be proposed.

The GREENABLER Project is divided into two main groups of activities. The first is for the reconstruction of 720 km of existing power lines for their transformation from a voltage level of 220 kV to 400 kV and synchronized reconstruction of the adjacent substations. The second group is for the reconstruction of "Hemus - Stara Planina" power line and its transformation from a voltage level of 220 kV to 400 kV, reconstructions of 888 km of 110 kV power lines and doubling of 92 km of 110 kV power lines in order to increase the transmission capacity of the network.

The total budget of the first group of activities is EUR 568 million from the Modernization Fund. In 2024, only the first stage, which has a budget of EUR 65 million, will be financed.

The total value of the GREENABLER Project is EUR 857 million. Investments for the first group in the amount of EUR 568 million have been proposed for financing in stages over 7 years from the Modernization Fund, and for the second group, which is in the amount of EUR 203 million - through the National Recovery and Resilience Plan, chapter RePowerEU. The rest of the financing is provided by ESO EAD.

The proposed investment is in support of the projects set out in the National Recovery and Resilience Plan for the commissioning of 4.5 GW of new RES, and with the implementation of the project, it will provide the necessary technical opportunity for their connection to the national grid.

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Bulgaria and Egypt will cooperate in the supply of natural gas Sun, 11 Feb 2024 22:00:00 +0000 https://www.me.government.bg/en/news/bulgaria-and-egypt-will-cooperate-in-the-supply-of-natural-gas-3368.html https://www.me.government.bg/en/news/bulgaria-and-egypt-will-cooperate-in-the-supply-of-natural-gas-3368.html Bulgaria and Egypt will cooperate on possible future supplies of natural gas from Egypt to our country and the South East European region, in particular from Egyptian liquefied natural gas export terminals (LNG) and others. This is provided for in the Memorandum of Understanding between the Ministry of Energy of the Republic of Bulgaria and the Ministry of Petroleum and Mineral Resources of the Arab Republic of Egypt on cooperation in the field of natural gas, signed in Egypt by Ministers Rumen Radev and Tarek El-Molla, in the presence of the foreign ministers of the two countries, Maria Gabriel and Sameh Shoukry. Minister Radev visited the Arab country as part of a government delegation led by Deputy Prime Minister Maria Gabriel.

The Memorandum establishes a framework for deepening cooperation in the field of natural gas, based on mutual benefit and common interests and objectives of both countries. The document expresses the wish Bulgaria and Egypt to develop bilateral scientific, technical, technological and trade cooperation within the framework of their national legislation. It encourages the parties to share knowledge and best practices between companies and institutions in the fields of natural gas extraction, storage, transport and liquefaction, as well as mutual discussions on the purchase of LNG from Egyptian terminals.

Both countries will promote the exchange of information and expertise by strengthening the partnership between public and private institutions active in the gas sector.

During his visit to Egypt, Minister Radev also spoke with the Minister of Electricity and Renewable Energy of the Arab Republic Mohamed Shaker. The two sides discussed co-operation and the feasibility of projects of common interest. Bulgaria and Egypt are also working on a Memorandum of Understanding in the field of electricity and RES, which became clear during the conversation.

Bulgaria considers Egypt to be a key partner and underlines the strategic nature of this partnership. Effective energy contacts between both sides could form the basis for intensifying the relations between the countries of the Middle East, the Mediterranean and the Balkans.

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Bulgaria and the United States of America signed an Agreement on civil nuclear cooperation Sun, 11 Feb 2024 22:00:00 +0000 https://www.me.government.bg/en/news/bulgaria-and-the-united-states-of-america-signed-an-agreement-on-civil-nuclear-cooperation-3369.html https://www.me.government.bg/en/news/bulgaria-and-the-united-states-of-america-signed-an-agreement-on-civil-nuclear-cooperation-3369.html Bulgaria and the United States signed an Intergovernmental Agreement on cooperation on the Project for the construction of nuclear capacity on the Kozloduy NPP site and the civil nuclear program in Bulgaria. The event took place in the Granite Hall of the Council of Ministers of the Republic of Bulgaria on 12 February 2024. The Agreement was signed by the Minister of Energy Rumen Radev and U.S. Assistant Secretary of Energy for International Affairs Andrew Light. The document is signed in implementation of a Decision of the National Assembly from January 2023 to conduct negotiations and conclude an intergovernmental agreement between Bulgaria and the U.S.A. for the construction of a new nuclear capacity at Kozloduy NPP with AP- 1000 technology.


The ceremony was attended by the Chairman of the Energy Committee in the National Assembly, Delyan Dobrev, Deputy Chairman of the Energy Committee Radoslav Ribarski, the Executive Director of BEH EAD Ivan Andreev, the Executive Director of Kozloduy Nuclear Power Plant EAD Valentin Nikolov, the Executive Director of “NPP Kozloduy - New Builds PLc” Petyo Ivanov, the Executive Director of NEK EAD Martin Georgiev, the Chairman of the Nuclear Regulatory Agency Tsanko Bachiyski, the Chairman of the Energy and Water Regulatory Commission Ivan Ivanov and Plamen Mladenovski, guests from the academic community and non-governmental sector,  engaged in nuclear energy.


The Agreement is based on a common commitment to the highest state-of-the-art standards of nuclear safety, security and nuclear safeguards. It aims at responsible use of nuclear energy to promote energy security, meet clean energy needs and deepen bilateral strategic relations. The Agreement includes concrete co-operation on the project to build new nuclear capacity at the Kozloduy Nuclear Power Plant site, as well the supply of nuclear fuel, training and exchange of personnel and knowledge, legal framework, etc.
In his speech Minister Radev underlined the importance of the signed Intergovernmental Agreement, which reinforces both sides' commitment to a strategic nuclear partnership. He stressed that Bulgaria is a country with almost half-century experience in the safe and reliable management of nuclear reactors, with strong scientific and educational traditions, and the United States is a leader in nuclear technology, safety, security and non-proliferation.


“With this agreement, we are actively working towards our common goal of a safer, cleaner and more sustainable future. And providing affordable and secure energy. Along with the creation of thousands of new jobs and job opportunities, training and economic growth, not only for the northwestern Bulgaria region, but for the whole country,” Minister Radev added.


Andrew Light, U.S. Assistant Secretary of Energy for International Affairs, said that today’s event marks a significant milestone in the development of the strategic partnership between the United States and Bulgaria. “The ratification of this agreement will play a vital role in promoting the security and decarbonisation not only of the Bulgarian but also of the European energy sector and will support Bulgaria's efforts to strengthen all aspects of its civil nuclear program, including nuclear safety and security, nuclear fuel supply and the regulatory framework,” he added.


Both sides undertake to cooperate directly in the consultations and exchange of expertise and technical contributions with regard to the civil nuclear program of the Republic of Bulgaria, the identification of potential financing of the new nuclear capacity project, the research in development and deployment of innovative nuclear technologies, the development of expertise in spent nuclear fuel and radioactive waste management.


The Agreement also covers regulatory cooperation based on the agreement signed at the end of last year between the Nuclear Regulatory Agency of the Republic of Bulgaria and the Nuclear Regulatory Commission of the United States for the exchange of technical information and cooperation, laboratory and university exchanges, training and exchange of personnel, supply chain development, research and development.


Bulgaria and the United States set up a Steering Committee to coordinate and manage the joint activities under the concluded Agreement. The document shall not create any financial rights or obligations for the parties.
For Bulgaria, nuclear energy plays an important role in ensuring national, regional and European energy security, providing affordable energy and moving towards a low-carbon economy.

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Energy security, diversification and new nuclear capacities were highlights of the meeting of Bulgarian ministers with the U.S. Energy Secretary in Washington Tue, 06 Feb 2024 22:00:00 +0000 https://www.me.government.bg/en/news/energy-security-diversification-and-new-nuclear-capacities-were-highlights-of-the-meeting-of-bulgarian-ministers-with-the-u-s-energy-secretary-in-washington-3367.html https://www.me.government.bg/en/news/energy-security-diversification-and-new-nuclear-capacities-were-highlights-of-the-meeting-of-bulgarian-ministers-with-the-u-s-energy-secretary-in-washington-3367.html Rumen Radev and Assen Vassilev also spoke with Assistant Secretary of State for Energy Resources Geoffrey Pyatt, as well as other representatives of the U.S. State Department

Cooperation in the field of nuclear technologies for civil purposes, the construction of new AP-1000 reactors at Kozloduy NPP, cooperation and training of personnel in the energy sphere, diversification, energy security and connectivity were the main topics discussed during the meeting of the Ministers of Energy and of Finance of the Republic of Bulgaria, Rumen Radev and Assen Vasilev, with U.S. Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm in Washington. The visit is of strategic importance, as energy occupies a central place in the bilateral dialogue between Bulgaria and the U.S.A. Key topics of the conversation at the Department of Energy were the transition to renewable energy sources and innovative technologies, as well as limiting carbon emissions.

Minister Radev shared his satisfaction with the deepening of bilateral cooperation on the construction of new nuclear facilities and emphasized that it is important to focus efforts on the exchange of knowledge and practice for the long-term storage of spent nuclear fuel. He welcomed the USA for the speed and incentives they are applying to realize the development, deployment and distribution of hydrogen technologies in the heavy industry and transport sectors.

"The European Union and the United States remain world leaders in the development of new technologies related to the production and use of green hydrogen. This is the future energy resource that will not only allow us to achieve climate neutrality, but will also boost industry and support the creation of new jobs," Radev said. U.S. Secretary of Energy Jennifer Granholm informed about the creation of 7 hydrogen hubs in the U.S.A. and partnership opportunities. Minister Radev emphasized that cooperation and the establishment of cross-border contacts is becoming the leading issue for energy security and sustainability. He also presented Bulgaria's new initiative for the construction of joint infrastructure between Bulgaria, Romania and Greece, including offshore wind, RES, hydrogen and charging stations, as well as the launch of a new joint project between Bulgaria and Romania for a large hydroelectric plant on the Danube River, and emphasized the importance of this innovative approach to energy security in the region.

Minister Vassilev expressed his appreciation for the American support in our country's efforts to diversify energy sources and reduce dependence on a single supplier. "Cooperation in the field of energy between the two countries contributes to increasing the energy security and diversification not only of our country, but also of the entire Balkan region," underlined Vassilev. He placed special emphasis on the North-South project, which aims to create optimal connectivity of the energy, digital and transport systems of Romania, Bulgaria and Greece. "Regarding the expiring gas transit contract between Russia and Ukraine, the Southern Gas Corridor and the North-South connectivity will acquire greater importance," Vassilev commented. He reiterated the need for diversity in energy sources, especially in the context of the Russian aggression against Ukraine, which has exposed the vulnerabilities of Europe's energy security.

Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm expressed her gratitude for the opportunity for cooperation between the U.S.A. and Bulgaria in the field of civil nuclear technologies.

Nuclear energy and diversification were also in focus at the meeting of the two Bulgarian ministers at the U.S. State Department, where they spoke with Assistant Secretary of State for Energy Resources Geoffrey Pyatt.

"Bulgaria deserves high appreciation for the work done in securing alternative gas sources and corridors," Geoffrey Pyatt noted. The U.S. State Department takes as a good sign the fact that Bulgaria, Romania and Greece are working together on the North-South project.

 

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Minister Radev: Southeastern Europe has the potential to produce and transfer green hydrogen to Western Europe Fri, 02 Feb 2024 09:01:00 +0000 https://www.me.government.bg/en/news/minister-radev-southeastern-europe-has-the-potential-to-produce-and-transfer-green-hydrogen-to-western-europe-3363.html https://www.me.government.bg/en/news/minister-radev-southeastern-europe-has-the-potential-to-produce-and-transfer-green-hydrogen-to-western-europe-3363.html The diversification of energy supplies, the development of hydrogen economy and renewable energy sources, as well as the opportunities for deepening cooperation in the field of energy between the Republic of Bulgaria and the Federal Republic of Germany were among the main topics of the discussion between the Minister of Energy Rumen Radev with the Vice-Chancellor and Federal Minister for Economic Affairs and Climate Action Robert Habeck. On the Bulgarian side, Deputy Minister Iva Petrova and the Head of the Political Cabinet Karina Angelieva also participated in the meeting held in Berlin.

Minister Habeck presented the current situation related to Germany's energy system in the context of the green transition, as well as Germany's plans in the field of hydrogen. He expressed satisfaction with the achieved high level of security of gas supplies in Bulgaria.

Minister Radev emphasized the need to develop a comprehensive and sustainable energy strategy and noted the efforts and achievements of our country to increase regional connectivity in the field of electricity and natural gas, including the recently signed Declaration between Bulgaria, Greece and Romania.

Minister Radev drew attention to the potential of Bulgaria and Southeast Europe for the production and transfer of green hydrogen to Western Europe. The possibilities of using European funding for the necessary infrastructure were highlighted, along with the need to attract private investors. The two ministers agreed that the timely planning of the development of hydrogen infrastructure, specifically in the region of Central and Eastern Europe, as well as the establishment of a common approach in the development of a hydrogen economy in the EU countries, is of key importance. Ministers Radev and Habek agreed to create a working group with the participation of EU stakeholders,  involving Ukraine, to determine the parameters of the future European hydrogen transmission infrastructure.

During the meeting, issues related to the activities of German companies in Bulgaria were also discussed, as well as the possibility of signing a memorandum of understanding between the two countries in the field of energy.

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