Energy in Bulgaria

This article is about all forms of energy including heat and transport fuels. For more detail about electricity, see electricity sector in Bulgaria.
Kozloduy Nuclear Power Plant is the largest power plant of Bulgaria
Energy consumption by source in Bulgaria

Energy in Bulgaria is among the most important sectors of the national economy[1] and encompasses energy and electricity production, consumption and transportation in Bulgaria.[2] The national energy policy is implemented[dubious – discuss] by the National Assembly and the Government of Bulgaria, conducted by the Ministry of Energy and regulated by the Energy and Water Regulatory Commission.[3] The completely state-owned company Bulgarian Energy Holding owns subsidiaries operating in different energy sectors, including electricity: Kozloduy Nuclear Power Plant, Maritsa Iztok 2 Thermal Power Plant, NEK EAD and Elektroenergien sistemen operator (ESO); natural gas: Bulgargaz and Bulgartransgaz; coal mining: Maritsa Iztok Mines.[3][4][5] In Bulgaria, energy prices for households are state-controlled, while commercial electricity prices are determined by the market.[6]

Total primary energy production was 10.832 million tonnes of oil equivalent in 2020, of which 23.3% was produced from renewable sources.[7] Energy dependence on foreign imports as of 2020 was at 37.9%, lower than the European Union average of 57.5%.[7]

Bulgaria’s power sector is diverse and well-developed, with universal access to the grid and numerous cross-border connections in neighbouring countries.[8] Although almost totally dependent on imported crude oil and natural gas, Bulgaria is a net exporter of electricity.[8] Total electricity production in 2022 has reached 49.4 TWh, while demand was 37.8 TWh.[3][9] Per capita production as of 2022 was 7,458 kWh, the highest in Southeastern Europe.[10] The main sources of electricity generation were fossil fuels (52%) and nuclear power (33%).[3] Bulgaria is aiming for over 27% renewables by 2030.[11]

  1. ^ Cite error: The named reference :0 was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  2. ^ Donchev & Karakashev 2004, p. 284
  3. ^ a b c d "Bulletin on the Condition and Development of Energy in the Republic of Bulgaria in 2022" (PDF). Official Site of the Ministry of Energy of Bulgaria. Retrieved 15 October 2023.
  4. ^ "Bulgaria Consolidates Five Energy Companies into Holding". Sofia News Agency. 2008-02-13. Retrieved 2008-02-24.
  5. ^ "Bulgaria announces birth of energy giant with new holding company". Power Engineering. 2008-02-14. Archived from the original on 2008-10-18. Retrieved 2008-02-24.
  6. ^ "Bulgaria - Country Commercial Guide". 2 January 2024.
  7. ^ a b "Bulletin on the Condition and Development of Energy in the Republic of Bulgaria in 2021" (PDF). Official Site of the Ministry of Energy of Bulgaria. Retrieved 15 October 2023.
  8. ^ a b "Bulgaria - Power Generation". Retrieved 15 October 2023.
  9. ^ "България отчита 22% ръст на тока от въглища през 2022-а, потреблението спада (графики)". Capital. Retrieved 15 October 2023.
  10. ^ "Per Capita Electricity Production". Our World in Data. Retrieved 15 October 2023.
  11. ^ "Bulgaria to increase renewable energy deployment in 2023". 3 January 2023.