Minister Stankov: Geothermal energy provides real energy diversification

With the change in the legislation, it is now possible to take the most important step to attract investors in the use of geothermal energy in Bulgaria and to develop this extremely promising energy sector. This was stated by the Minister of Energy Zhecho Stankov during a discussion dedicated to the use and prospects for the implementation of geothermal energy projects. The forum, jointly organized by the Ministry of Energy and the Embassy of the Netherlands in our country, was part of the program of the Energy Summit 2025 conference.

Geothermal energy provides real energy diversification and is a serious factor for the security of supplies, Minister Stankov emphasized. According to him, this is one of the energy sources that have the potential to maintain high competitiveness of the Bulgarian economy. Under the Modernization Fund, we are discussing a scheme for exploration and exploitation activities for the use of geothermal energy, Minister Stankov also announced. He expressed his confidence that the recruitment of specific projects for financing can begin as soon as possible.

The Netherlands and Hungary are among the most advanced countries in Europe in the use of geothermal potential for energy purposes. Bulgaria will cooperate closely with these countries, studying their experience and the challenges on the way to the implementation of successful projects in the sector. Bulgaria also receives technical support on the topic from the World Bank.

As part of the discussion, in which leading international experts participated, studies on the geothermal potential in our country were presented.

Five projects implemented in the period 2020-2024, with the support of the Financial Mechanism of the European Economic Area under the "Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy" program, managed by the Ministry of Energy, with a total value of 1.8 million euros, are providing convincing results in ensuring clean energy, energy efficiency and improved quality of life. With the implementation of the projects in Burgas, Strelcha, Pomorie, Velingrad and Yambol, 1.19 MW of geothermal capacity have been installed with an annual production of 1545.36 MWh of geothermal energy. Through them, carbon emissions are reduced by 1823.24 tons/year.