Sector Overview

The Bulgarian energy sector is undergoing a major overhaul.

1. Improvement of Energy efficiency
2. Construction of new facilities
3. EU directives for at least 20% renewable energy by the year 2020
4. Environment improvements

Nuclear energy in Bulgaria

Bulgaria is constructing a second nuclear power plant in Belene, expected to be completed around 2012.

Hydro energy in Bulgaria

Bulgaria is actively working on the development of its hydrological sources in an effort to limit the dependence on foreign fuel imports. Around 63 small and micro Hydro Power Plants were located on the National Energy Company’s (NEK) property, most of which have been privatized.

 

Wind energy in Bulgaria

The European Union has set a directive requiring its members to to produce at least 20% of their electricity by environmentally clean and renewable sources. Certain areas of Bulgaria have favorable wind conditions and investment in wind power generators are showing good returns.

Solar energy in Bulgaria

A sizeable portion of Bulgaria’s land area receives medium levels of solar radiation.

Environmental improvements

Biomass in Bulgaria

There is good potential for utilizing biomass as an energy source in Bulgaria. While information regarding the use and potential of biomass has been limited, there have been recent developments through pilot projects and preliminary evaluations that begin to highlight Bulgaria’s full potential. Results have appeared promising, although a lack of project funding has hindered the forward progress of this resource.

Geothermal Energy in Bulgaria

Bulgaria has a sizable reserve of geothermal energy and is rich in low enthalpy geothermal waters. The country has been utilizing approximately 30 percent of its total potential, or about 107.2 MWt producing some 1.637 TJ of energy per year, for use in space heating, greenhouses, drinking water, and for balneology purposes (Geothrmie, 2000). At the present there are no geothermal reserve sites that generate power.