site.btaPM Borissov: Bulgaria Will Seek Investors for Gas Hub, Belene N-plant

PM Borissov: Bulgaria Will Seek Investors for Gas Hub, Belene N-plant

Varna, on the Black Sea, August 6 (BTA) - After receiving the European Commission's statement and the position expressed by Russian President Vladimir Putin, Bulgaria's task right now is to seek investors for the European gas hub Balkan, as well as for the completion of the Belene N-plant project, said here on Saturday Prime Minister Boyko Borissov.

According to him, there are options for the N-plant, including building it as a private project with a small participation by the State.

Borissov said that he had pondered for a while before asking for a conversation with President Putin, given the recent rhetoric from Bulgaria to Russia, as well as the sanctions on a European level against that country. The Russian President expressed his gratitude for the dialogue, Borissov said, adding that he was very benevolent.
President Putin has also said that Russia wants to repair its ships in Bulgaria, the Prime Minister said. According to him, the Russian head of State has expressed readiness to sent Russian energy experts, who can help Bulgaria get out of the current situation. Russia is also losing millions, so finding a solution to the Belene N-plant and the gas hub would be beneficial for them as well, Borissov said.

The Prime Minister recalled that Bulgaria was sentenced to pay 553 million euro in order to acquire the two nuclear reactors. Meanwhile, a daily interest of 167,000 euro is calculated on this sum, he said. Borissov further noted that suspending the South Stream gas pipeline project is also a problem. The pipes are still at the ports of Varna and Bourgas and given this situation, Bulgaria is once again facing serious court procedures. Right- or Left-wing politics do not have a place here, but only agreements, Borissov commented.

Recalling the progress made on the gas interconnectors with neighbouring countries, Borissov said that the way things are developing makes him optimistic. According to him, the results of the conference on gas-related issues in Varna at the start of September will be of huge significance.