Stankov: Energy Mix Key to Stability
In an interview with bTV, Bulgaria’s Energy Minister Zhecho Stankov highlighted the importance of technical neutrality in energy production, referencing the recent power outage across the Iberian Peninsula. He emphasized that Bulgaria’s diversified energy mix — including nuclear, wind, and renewables — along with strong cross-border connectivity, helps safeguard against such blackouts, CE Report quotes BTA
Stankov noted the importance of the Chaira Pumped Storage Hydro Power Plant, calling it the country’s largest "green battery." Currently, only one of its four units is operational, with unit three set to restart in early 2026, followed by unit one mid-year.
On market reforms, the minister reaffirmed that household consumers will be protected during electricity market liberalization. He called for sustainable investments to keep prices low as households transition to the free market.
Parliament recently approved the first reading of amendments to the Energy Act, delaying market liberalization to shield consumers from high prices. The final timeline is yet to be confirmed, but the Ministry aims to implement changes by July 1, including shifting the authority for regulated pricing from the Energy Commission to the Council of Ministers.
