A series of meetings with representatives of the U.S. Department of State and the Department of Energy was held by the Bulgarian delegation, led by Minister of Energy Zhecho Stankov. The discussions focused on deepening the strategic energy partnership between the two countries, expanding joint projects, securing liquefied natural gas (LNG) supplies for Southeast Europe, and ensuring sustainable regional connectivity.
“Long-term energy security requires collective efforts. The United States is a strong ally of Bulgaria in implementing key regional projects and achieving real diversification of energy sources,” Minister Stankov emphasised.
LNG supply
One of the main topics was securing liquefied natural gas (LNG) supplies for Southeast Europe and ensuring sustainable regional connectivity. Minister Stankov stressed Bulgaria’s ambition to be a key factor in the energy security of Southeast Europe. During the meetings, he briefed his US counterparts on the progress of the Vertical Gas Corridor.
Minister Stankov also met with business representatives, investors, and officials at roundtables organised by the PRISM association for rare earth materials and the American LNG Association.
Kozloduy Nuclear Power Plant
The construction of Units 7 and 8 of the Kozloduy Nuclear Power Plant was another main topic of discussion. According to Minister Stankov, the two reactors will be the first in Europe to operate with Westinghouse’s AP1000 technology. The U.S. Export-Import Bank (EXIM) is ready to provide funding for the largest-scale Bulgarian energy project in decades.