Bulgaria

Bulgaria begins talks for the deployment of small modular reactors

The Ministry of Energy will initiate talks with developers of small nuclear reactors after signing a cooperation agreement with the United States to conduct preliminary studies on their deployment.

HiTHIUM signs 2GWh deal with Solarpro for large-scale storage projects in Eastern Europe

Storage provider HiTHIUM will supply 2GWh of batteries to Solarpro for multiple large-scale projects across the Balkans and Central Europe.

Hungary receives over 5 bn m³ of Russian gas via TurkStream in 2024

Hungary has imported over 5 billion cubic metres of Russian natural gas since January via TurkStream, under its long-term agreements with Gazprom, thereby supporting its national energy infrastructure.
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AP1000 reactor certification extended in the US until 2046

The United States Nuclear Regulatory Commission has granted a 40-year extension for the AP1000 reactor design certification, supporting its long-term construction domestically and deployment abroad.

Rezolv Energy secures 731MW in Romania’s public-backed renewables auction

Rezolv Energy won three contracts for difference totalling 731MW in Romania’s second auction, supported by public financing mechanisms for renewable energy.

The Alexandroupolis FSRU Restarts at Reduced Capacity in a Reshaping Regional Market

After a prolonged technical shutdown, the Greek floating terminal resumes operations at 25% capacity, with near-saturated reserved capacity and an expanded role in exports to Southeast Europe.
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The Black Sea Defies Financial Obstacles to Become Europe’s Gas Hub

Giant discoveries are transforming the Black Sea into an alternative to Russian gas, despite colossal technical challenges related to hydrogen sulfide and Ukrainian geopolitical tensions.

Sermatec invests in energy storage in Bulgaria with a 430 MWh project

Shanghai Sermatec Energy Technology Co., Ltd. announces an agreement to supply more than 430 MWh of energy storage in Bulgaria, marking a new step in the expansion of Chinese solutions in the European market.

SUNOTEC and Sungrow reach major agreement for 2.4 GWh energy storage in Bulgaria

SUNOTEC and Sungrow announce the signing of a strategic contract to deploy 2.4 GWh of batteries for large-scale solar projects in Bulgaria, setting a new record for energy storage in Southeast Europe.
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Naftogaz signs first Transbalkan gas deal with Azerbaijani SOCAR

Naftogaz and the State Oil Company of the Republic of Azerbaijan (SOCAR) have formalised an initial contract for natural gas delivery via the Transbalkan corridor, opening new logistical perspectives for Ukraine’s energy supply.

More than ten-year delay for Bulgaria’s national nuclear waste repository

The Bulgarian National Audit Office report highlights persistent delays and contractual irregularities in the implementation of the national repository for low- and intermediate-level radioactive waste.

Fortum selects Westinghouse to study an AP1000 reactor in Finland

The preliminary agreement launches planning and site assessment for a tailored AP1000 reactor, following two years of feasibility study, and enlists Westinghouse and Hyundai to support Fortum’s regional nuclear expansion.
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OMV Petrom invests in major 400 MW solar project in Bulgaria

OMV Petrom acquires 50% of the 400 MW Gabare photovoltaic project near Sofia, in partnership with Enery, in a deal valued at approximately €200 million including a potential energy storage solution.

Sigenergy installs 20 MWh modular system in Bulgaria with Trakia MT

Sigenergy deployed a 20 MWh modular energy storage system on a solar power plant in Bulgaria, demonstrating a targeted industrial investment in high-efficiency storage technologies.

Russian gas deliveries to Europe via TurkStream rise 10% in May

Gazprom increased its daily natural gas exports to Europe via the TurkStream subsea pipeline, reaching 46 million cubic metres per day in May, according to Reuters calculations.
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Westinghouse strengthens Bulgarian supply chain for Kozloduy

Westinghouse has signed seven new agreements with Bulgarian suppliers to support the construction of two AP1000 reactors at the Kozloduy nuclear power plant, further expanding its local industrial footprint.

Serbia negotiates renewal of gas contract with Russia ahead of expiration

Belgrade aims to retain favourable pricing terms for Russian gas imports as the current contract nears its May 31 deadline.

The United States expands nuclear and hydropower footprint in Eastern Europe

The United States is multiplying energy agreements with Romania and Bulgaria, focusing on civil nuclear power and hydropower storage to deepen its influence in strategic regional projects.
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Bulgaria launches work on “The Vertical” gas corridor

Bulgaria will begin expanding its gas network in the coming weeks, a cornerstone of the "The Vertical" project aimed at strengthening regional energy security following the halt of Russian transit through Ukraine.

EU Nuclear Alliance calls for nuclear energy inclusion in Europe’s affordable energy plan

Eleven European countries urge the European Commission to include nuclear energy in the Affordable Energy Action Plan, aimed at reducing energy costs and enhancing the continent's energy security.

EU launches anti-subsidy investigation against China for wind energy

Margrethe Vestager announces an EU investigation into Chinese wind turbine manufacturers, suspected of distorting competition in Europe.

European Union investigates Chinese support for solar industry

Brussels initiates investigations into Chinese solar consortia suspected of benefiting from unfair subsidies, against a backdrop of EU-China tensions.

Pollution in Bulgaria: A legal turning point for the Maritsa Iztok 2 power plant

The Maritsa Iztok 2 coal-fired power plant has been breaking the law since 2019, with toxic emissions in excess of standards. A recent verdict calls for changes.
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Bulgaria renounces Russian oil exemption

Bulgaria breaks with its exemption from the European embargo on Russian oil, marking a turning point in its energy policy and relations with Moscow.

Serbia-Bulgaria Gas Pipeline, Beginning of a New Energy Era?

Serbia inaugurates a gas pipeline with Bulgaria, marking an energy turning point by reducing its dependence on Russian gas in favor of Azeri gas.

COP29: Azerbaijan, A Controversial Oil Choice

COP29 could be held in Azerbaijan, an ironic decision given the country's oil economy, and one that has prompted concern and criticism.
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Lukoil plans to sell its refinery in Bulgaria

Faced with measures deemed "discriminatory" by the Bulgarian government, Russian oil giant Lukoil is considering selling its refinery in Bulgaria, the largest in the Balkans.

International agreement to triple nuclear capacity by 2050

The agreement signed by 22 countries at the Climate Change Conference in Dubai aims to triple global nuclear capacity by 2050, marking a decisive turning point in the fight against global warming.

Bulgaria and Ukraine sign nuclear energy agreement

Bulgaria and Ukraine have given concrete expression to their commitment to energy by signing an agreement to strengthen cooperation in the nuclear field, infrastructure protection and energy efficiency.
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Alpiq announces the sale of its Bulgarian wind farm to Renalfa

Alpiq sells Vetrocom wind farm to Renalfa Renalfa is thus strengthening its renewable energy portfolio in the region, while Alpiq is pursuing its strategy of geographical concentration on its core markets.

EU vote on banning combustion engine cars in 2035 postponed

The vote of the European Union member states on banning the sale of combustion engine cars in 2035 has been postponed indefinitely. Germany abstained, thus preventing the majority required for the adoption of this measure.

A coalition of ten EU states joins France for nuclear energy

Eleven European Union countries, including France, have announced their intention to strengthen their cooperation in the field of nuclear energy to achieve climate objectives. This initiative is not well received by some countries, including Germany and Spain, which are opposed to nuclear energy.
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Bulgarian Competition Commission sanctions Lukoil

The Bulgarian Competition Commission is sanctioning Lukoil for abuse of a dominant position, fining the Russian oil giant 67 million leva (34 million euros) for refusing discounts to its competitors, resulting in higher prices for Bulgarian consumers.

Athens and Sofia sign new energy agreements

Athens and Sofia on Thursday entered into an energy alliance to diversify energy supply sources, after talks initiated by Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis. The two countries are signing agreements today concerning, among other things, the storage of natural gas and the construction of a new oil pipeline.

Bulgaria signs a gas agreement with Turkey

Bulgaria will have access to the gas infrastructure of its Turkish neighbor, allowing it to diversify its supply from Russian gas.
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Bulgaria emancipates itself from Russian gas

Bulgaria is negotiating to reserve about 1 bcm/year of import capacity in Turkish LNG terminals.

Bulgaria contracts with Westinghouse

In Bulgaria, Westinghouse and Kozloduy announce the signing of a long-term nuclear fuel partnership.

Bulgaria: a reactor shut down due to a leak

While waiting to select one of the offers from Westinghouse or Framatome for the maintenance of the country's only nuclear power plant. Bulgaria has to deal with a leak managed by its current manager and judged as not serious.
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Greek-Bulgarian Gas Pipeline: von der Leyen Hails “A New Era

The President of the European Commission welcomed Saturday in Sofia the launch of commercial operations of a Greek-Bulgarian gas pipeline.

Russia, gas as a means of pressure?

Russia announces the closure of Nord Stream 1 for an indefinite period. The fear of a shortage worries Europe, which is looking for alternatives.