In the context of the war in Ukraine and the growing energy and climate security risks in Europe, the unlocking of the offshore wind-base power generation potential will increase the energy independence of Bulgaria and will improve the resilience of the energy system. Bulgaria should take all the necessary measures to realize the 26 GW worth of offshore wind energy technical potential in the Bulgarian section of the Black Sea. Offshore wind will also be key for achieving the EU 2030 targets for CO2 emissions reduction with 55% by 2030.
These are part of the main conclusions from an assessment by the Center for the Study of Democracy, which makes a technical and economic evaluation of the Bulgarian potential for the development of offshore wind energy. The analysis was presented by CSD experts during a hearing in the energy committee of the Bulgarian Parliament that took place on 9 March, 2022.
MPs from all political parties were united in its support for the creation of a new special legislative framework, which will be the basis for the development of the offshore wind sector in Bulgaria.
Apart from CSD experts, the Ambassadors of Romania, Brandusa Joanna Predescu, and of the United Kingdom, Rob Dixon, joined the discussion with an overview of the experience of the two countries in the sector. They focused on the initial steps and opportunities for Bulgaria to kick start investment.
Ambassador Dixon underscored the key role played by the private sector in the development of the UK offshore wind energy industry to the position of a world leader. He stressed the need for a clear ambition and targets by the government, the relevant financial instruments in place such as contracts for difference, as well as the close cooperation between the government, the energy regulator and the private sector.
The Deputy Prime Minister for Climate Policy and Minister for the Environment, Borislav Sandov, also made a short intervention summarizing the main long-term energy and climate transition goals of Bulgaria pointing out the role of offshore wind energy in their achievement in the context of the higher EU targets for CO2 emissions reduction by 2030.
Mr. Sandov also noted that it is crucial to develop the full renewable energy potential of the country as a way to improve Bulgaria’s energy security.
