Europe’s path to energy security, lasting competitiveness and climate neutrality is increasingly defined by its ability to develop and deploy innovative low-carbon technologies, including nuclear power, renewable energy sources and battery storage solutions. A consistent political commitment, strategic partnerships with like-minded allies and sustained investments in the innovation ecosystem are key enabling factors for the continent’s future security and prosperity.
These were among the main findings in the latest analysis by the Centre for the Study of Democracy (CSD), which explores the key policy measures to be implemented in Bulgaria in order to achieve a balanced and security energy system. The study was presented during the Korea – Bulgaria Energy Forum “Clean, Secure, Competitive: The Energy Mix for Strategic Autonomy”, co-organised by CSD, the Embassy of the Republic of Korea in Bulgaria and the Korea Trade–Investment Promotion Agency (KOTRA), on 30 October 2025 in Sofia.
During the conference, Zhecho Stankov, Minister of Energy of Bulgaria, reaffirmed Bulgaria’s commitment to expanding its nuclear and renewable energy capacities, underlining that clean and secure energy lies at the heart of the country’s long-term competitiveness.
Prof. Park Hyun-Sun from the Seoul National University described nuclear energy as an integrated knowledge ecosystem connecting science, engineering, and safety. He highlighted society’s growing need for clean energy, which can be secured through a combination of nuclear power and renewable sources.
Kyu Yong Lee, Senior Manager at the Korea Nuclear Association, outlined Korea’s rapid economic development over several decades, realised through long-term political commitment and investments in nuclear power.
Hyung Hwan Park, Regional Director for Europe and North Africa at Hyundai Engineering and Construction, showcased Korea’s path to becoming a global leader in building and operating nuclear power plants.
Petyo Ivanov, Executive Director of Kozloduy NPP – New Build EAD, confirmed that Bulgaria is making significant progress towards beginning the construction of the two new reactors and Valentin Nikolov, Executive Director of Bulgarian Energy Holding, emphasised that public investment in nuclear projects is vital for ensuring affordability, energy independence, and industrial competitiveness.
Martin Danovski, Deputy Minister for Innovation and Growth of Bulgaria, outlined Bulgaria’s comprehensive framework for promoting clean technology and industrial competitiveness through research centres and innovation hubs across the country. He stressed that strengthening collaboration with Korea and global industry leaders is central to accelerating technology transfer and achieving low-carbon growth.
Nikola Gazdov, Chairman of the Association for Production, Storage and Trading of Electricity, highlighted the rapid expansion of renewable capacity and battery storage as essential tools for grid flexibility and price stability. He underlined that renewables and storage are not competitors but indispensable partners in building Bulgaria’s next phase of sustainable energy development.
Prof. Sang-Il Lee, Principal Researcher at the Nuclear Policy Center at the Seoul National University, presented the potential of nuclear-powered hydrogen production as a cornerstone for deep industrial decarbonisation and long-term climate neutrality. He noted that integrating Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) with hydrogen production can deliver reliable, carbon-free solutions tailored to industrial needs and regional demand.
Zoya Damianova, Executive Director of the Applied Research and Communications Fund, underscored the importance of citizen participation and social inclusion in building broad-based support for the energy transition. She emphasised that public trust and transparent policymaking are critical for ensuring a just transition that benefits communities and sustains long-term societal engagement.
The discussions concluded that achieving Europe’s energy security and climate objectives requires a coordinated approach that combines diversification of clean energy sources, accelerated uptake of innovative technologies, and strong international partnerships. Participants agreed that closer cooperation between Europe and Korea can enhance technological exchange, investment flows, and policy alignment, key to building resilient, low-carbon, and affordable energy systems capable of sustaining Europe’s long-term competitiveness.
