They present Bulgaria's new energy strategy for the next 30 years

"Bulgaria fundamentally needs to decide whether to develop nuclear energy. The Ministry of Energy's proposal is to develop it, as we have significant experience in operating nuclear power. ... This will strengthen our role as an energy leader. ... Our proposal is to build 4 new nuclear units, two of which will replace the current 5th and 6th units, which are scheduled to be decommissioned around 2050. In our analyses this clearly shows what role plays because with the removal of coal-fired power plants, the country needs baseload power". This was stated by the Minister of Energy Rosen Hristov to the BNR.

The Minister of Energy announced that a strategy for the next 30 years for the electric power industry is being developed and on January 17 (Tuesday) at 10 a.m. a round table will be held with all interested parties - industry organizations, trade unions, deputies from the Energy Commission:

"The vision of the Ministry of Energy is for intensive construction of capacities and preservation of the functioning of coal-fired power plants, so that Bulgaria remains a net exporter of electricity, as are the needs of the Region. We recommend the construction of new capacities both in nuclear energy and in hydroelectric power plants and renewable sources, so as to ensure a smooth transition to decarbonisation, according to pan-European targets".

According to Minister Hristov, the renegotiation of the Recovery and Sustainability Plan with the EC depends on how the Commission will look at it:

"Whether the renegotiation is a clarification and alignment of our goals with the pan-European ones, which is our proposal, or is it considered a cardinal renegotiation and will have to go through the entire renegotiation process. This is an important decision and I am glad that the MPs have united around it. ... The objectives laid down in the EPA cannot be achieved in any other way than by decommissioning a large amount of coal-fired power."

About 3 billion euros are the revenues from the export of electricity for 2022, emphasized the Minister of Energy and specified that "the revenues that the country would generate from the export of electricity will certainly be greater than the funds under the PVA".

"It is important to emphasize that both the Ministry of Energy and the Government are in favor of achieving the common EU targets for decarbonisation - 55% reduction by 2030 decarbonisation - by 2050. This is achievable and our strategy shows that A smooth transition ensures the achievement of these goals without compromising energy security and remaining an energy exporter."

He emphasized that if the National Assembly approves the strategy that the ME is preparing, it will be a good basis for negotiations with the EC.