“I sincerely hope that the price of gas will continue to fall globally. Gas storages in Europe are full. This will force sellers to maintain affordable prices”. This was commented by Energy Minister Rosen Hristov in the “Interview in the News” on NOVA.
“The gas storage in Chiren is full, but with expensive gas contracted by the previous government. We are currently withdrawing it little by little in order not to increase the average price of gas in Bulgaria. We are also working with other interested parties – the gas associations and other traders, to find a possible option for compensation for this gas, which is at very high prices”, said Hristov. He assured that the worst is behind us. After solving the supply problem, our country is already pursuing long-term contracts.
Hristov: Soon, Ukraine will also want electricity from Bulgaria
Earlier today, Rosen Hristov presented the initiative to study the gas market in the region of Southeast and Central Europe. This happened during his meeting with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Hungary in Zagreb. The idea is for each country to provide information on its required amount of gas, as well as its transmission capabilities. This will determine where new gas connections are needed, as well as where they can be increased.
“The meeting went very constructively, they are very pleased to join our initiative, as they are also looking for an opportunity for diversification and security of supply. Our proposal, which I presented not only to the Hungarians, but also to the fellow ministers from Greece, North Macedonia, Serbia, Romania, Moldova and Ukraine, is to make a large-scale study on gas needs and on the existing infrastructure that can, by alternative routes, delivered. The idea is to find out what investments are needed to develop the network”, said Hristov.
Hristov: We will not give Ukraine the equipment of the Belene NPP
“>Hristov: We will not give Ukraine the equipment of the Belene NPP
Rosen Hristov also commented on the vision for energy development.
“It envisages building 4 new reactors, which is justified by the expected increase in electricity consumption in Bulgaria and the region. We need 2 reactors in Kozloduy and 2 in Belene. But let’s make a final and firm decision – we need comprehensive feasibility studies, which we intend to initiate, so that the National Assembly can make a competent and final decision, so that we know how we develop nuclear energy. Our recommendation is to develop all four possible reactors”, stated Rosen Hristov.
“Belene” has equipment, we intend to analyze what and how it can be built with the existing equipment. I say this in connection with the speculation that we will sell it to Ukraine. There was interest, but we replied that we are studying how to use it in Bulgaria”, commented Hristov.
Hristov: Bulgaria is fully diversifying its natural gas supplies
Asked if there is a serious plan B for the supply of fresh nuclear fuel, the minister confirmed. “Both Framatom and Westinghouse are real things, we have signed agreements, we continue to develop them,” said Rosen Hristov. The fuel was safe, and the price was comparable to the Russian price.
Regarding the project for photovoltaic plants on the territory of “Mini Maritsa East”, Rosen Hristov assured that all the people who currently work there will keep their jobs. The plants will be built on free territories.
“During the construction there will be between 2,000-3,000 more jobs, and during operation – 1,000,” said the minister.
:quality(70)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/elfinanciero/SNVTOW22JJFBBPHHQLQZHF5DNA.jpeg?resize=150%2C150&ssl=1 "The Prosecutor’s Office issues a search file – El Financiero")