site.btaOffshore Wind Energy Potential to Be Discussed at International Conference in Sofia

The Center for the Study of Democracy (CSD) is organizing an international conference on "Unlocking the Potential of Offshore Wind Energy in Central and Eastern Europe". The event will take place on November 21 at the Sofia Balkan Palace Hotel, organizers said. Politicians, energy experts, business leaders and NGO representatives are expected to discuss innovative approaches to overcoming technical and administrative barriers to the development of this strategically important sector.

Among the invitees to the conference are Delyan Dobrev, MP in the 51st National Assembly, Ana Miljanovic Rusan, Head of the Offshore Energy and Nature Program at Renewables Grid Initiative, Liviu Gavrila, President of the Romanian Wind Association, Murat Durak, President of the Turkish Offshore Wind Association, and Bernd Okkels, Technical Director for Renewable Resources at ERM.

The aim of the discussion is to identify the main challenges and develop strategies for the successful deployment of offshore wind in the region, taking into account European best practices, environmental and social aspects, as well as barriers to regional cooperation and attracting investment.

The conference will provide an important platform for dialogue and cooperation that aims to accelerate investment and development of offshore wind, making the region a key player in the energy transition.

According to the CSD, offshore wind will play a key role in balancing Bulgaria's growing photovoltaic capacity as it builds electricity storage capacity. Electricity from wind farms is cheaper than average wholesale market prices and could directly replace expensive coal-fired power plants and natural gas imports.

With a capacity of 15 gigawatt hours (GW) by 2030 and 40 GW by 2050, the region has a chance to become a leader in sustainable energy if administrative challenges are overcome. The development of wind energy in the Black Sea could transform Bulgaria's economy and strengthen its energy independence, the CSD said.