site.btaExperts Call for Lifting Shale Gas Moratorium and Developing Domestic Energy Resources

Experts argued that the country needs to develop its own energy and industrial resource base to reduce dependence on foreign supplies. They were speaking at a discussion, organized by the Bulgarian Energy and Mining Forum (BEMF) and "Club Senator," focused on the potential for shale gas extraction in Bulgaria.

Hristo Kazandzhiev from BEMF criticized the 2012 moratorium on shale gas exploration, calling it geopolitically motivated. He emphasized that Bulgaria has significant natural gas resources that remain untapped due to external influences. He also stated that modern technologies could allow safe exploration without using hydraulic fracturing ("fracking"), which is the main environmental concern.

BEMF Chairman Ivan Hinovski echoed these concerns, stating that Bulgaria could achieve partial energy independence through domestic gas production. The forum participants called for lifting the moratorium to allow further exploration and to assess the country's true resource potential.

Additionally, the event highlighted the need for a national strategy on managing underground resources, improved legal frameworks, and greater transparency in concession processes. Participants also raised questions about whether Bulgaria effectively benefits from its natural wealth.