site.btaEnergy Minister Stankov Takes Part in Discussion on Energy Diplomacy at Delphi Forum in Washington

Bulgarian Energy Minister Zhecho Stankov took part in a high-level discussion on the new map of energy diplomacy as part of the Sixth Delphi Forum, held in Washington, the Energy Ministry said in a press release on Wednesday.

During the international forum, Stankov presented the key energy projects the Bulgarian government is working on. "We are implementing strategic projects that will establish Bulgaria as a key energy player," Stankov said, as quoted by the ministry's press office. He highlighted Bulgaria’s active efforts to strengthen both national and regional energy security through connectivity and the introduction of innovative technologies in the energy sector, ensuring reliable and affordable energy for consumers. "In this process, solidarity among regional countries is of utmost importance, and we will continue working to deepen these ties," he added.

Stankov also emphasized the development of nuclear energy as a key part of the government’s vision to position Bulgaria as a hub for producing clean, competitive, and sustainable electricity.

As part of his working visit to the U.S., the Energy Minister conferred with Congressman Troy Balderson, Chair of the House Energy Action Team (HEAT). Their meeting focused on potential areas of future cooperation and the enhancement of Bulgarian-American relations in the energy sector.

Stankov also took part in a roundtable discussion organized by the Business Council for International Understanding (BCIU) in Washington. He invited American companies to invest in Bulgaria’s energy sector and held talks with representatives from Microsoft, Blackstone, Honeywell, General Electric, Caterpillar, among others. Additionally, he introduced a new initiative by the Bulgarian Energy Ministry—a roadshow aimed at showcasing investment opportunities in Bulgaria for data centre development.

The minister identified the area around the Kozloduy Nuclear Power Plant as the most suitable location for the development of artificial intelligence infrastructure and data centres.

Stankov also underlined the government’s decarbonization efforts, aligning with the European Union’s climate goals. In this context, he highlighted the development of two new pumped-storage hydropower plants at the Dospat and Batak reservoirs (in the Rhodope Mountains in Southern Bulgaria), with a projected 1,600-2,000 MW of new energy storage capacity. According to Stankov, these projects would position Bulgaria as an energy leader in the Balkans.

During his meetings with business representatives, Stankov discussed investment opportunities for American companies in the new pumped-storage plants, as well as in future geothermal energy projects.