site.btaCabinet Approves Strategic Vision for Power Sector Development until 2053

The Council of Ministers Wednesday approved a strategic vision for the development of the power sector in the 2023-2053 period. The document focuses on several key priorities. First and foremost, Bulgaria must remain a regional leader in electricity production and export. The protection of national and energy security, as well as the sustainable use of local energy sources, are other top priorities set out in the document.

The implementation of the policies and projects envisaged in the strategy should contribute to the achievement of the EU's goals of decarbonization and improved energy efficiency. The key priorities also include a just transition to decarbonization for the coal regions, as well as protection against energy poverty.

The document envisages the use of indigenous lignite resources until 2030 and its gradual reduction and phase-out by 2038. This will help to maintain energy and national security, as well as the country's role as a regional leader in electricity production and export.

In the nuclear power sector, the strategy provides for the construction of four reactors which will replace those due for decommissioning. Two reactors are expected to be built at the site of the Kozloduy nuclear power plant and two more at the site of the Belene N- plant project.

The energy strategy also focuses on the development of renewable energy projects  photovoltaic and wind power and hydro power plants. The main conclusion about geothermal energy is that it can be used mainly for heating.

Hydrogen production is a key element of the sector's future development. It is expected to reduce and replace Bulgaria's reliance on imported natural gas. The country will rely on the rapid resumption of the operation of the Chaira pumped storage power station, as well as on the provision of resources for the construction of an underground pumped storage power station.

The modernization of the country's nearly 2,000 km electricity transmission network and its accompanying infrastructure, which is set out in the strategy, will help to ensure sufficient connection and transmission capacity, so that Bulgaria can maintain its leadership role in the region.

The projects envisaged in the new energy strategy will cost an estimated EUR 46 billion.

The Council of Ministers obliged the Energy Minister to present the strategic vision to the National Assembly.