Chiren

Bulgaria has committed to phasing out coal by 2038, a reminder included in the European Commission's annual report on energy across the EU and individual member states. The report highlights that through the Just Transition Fund, Bulgaria could access 1.12 billion euros to support the social and economic impacts of closing coal plants in Kyustendil, Pernik, and Stara Zagora.

The Bulgarian Minister of Energy has announced a temporary suspension of the order for the expansion of the "Chiren" underground gas storage facility. This decision will remain in effect until the European Prosecutor's Office completes its inspection of "Bulgartransgaz."

Bulgaria's Finance Minister, Asen Vassilev, engaged in discussions with Scott Nathan, the executive director of the U.S. Development Finance Corporation (DFC), during his visit to Washington.

Bulgargaz, the national gas company, projects a notable reduction in natural gas prices by nearly 6% for February. The company has submitted an application to the Bulgarian energy regulator outlining the expected change in pricing.

Consumers in Bulgaria are set to face an increase in natural gas prices by approximately 7.5% starting next month. This announcement emerged from the recent public session of the energy regulator, where the proposal put forward by "Bulgargaz" was deliberated. The proposed rate for the blue fuel is expected to be around BGN 87 per megawatt hour, exclusive of taxes and levies.

North Macedonia expresses keen interest in reinforcing energy collaborations with Bulgaria, aiming for joint projects and synchronized legislation alignment with the European Union. Agneza Rusi Popovska, the country's ambassador to Skopje, highlighted this aspiration during a pivotal meeting with Energy Minister Rumen Radev in Sofia.

The Bulgarian gas storage in Chiren is 90% filled with gas more than two months earlier than the deadline set by the EU to secure stocks for the winter.

Data published on the platform of the non-governmental organization Gas Infrastructure Europe on Friday showed that the target was reached on August 16, at the same time as the EU average of 90% occupancy was reached.

The European Commission has approved, in accordance with EU state aid rules, a Bulgarian measure in the amount of 16 million euros to support the expansion of the Bulgartransgaz gas storage facility in Chiren.

"If the storage in Chiren is not 100% full and the gas connection with Greece does not work, there is a risk of gas supply to consumers and district heating". This was stated on BNT by the chairman of the Energy and Water Regulatory Commission (EWRC) Stanislav Todorov. He also announced that a contract for the supply of American liquefied natural gas has not been signed yet.

"Before running out of supplies in Chiren, the Russians will release gas to Bulgaria. This case will not last more than a week, maximum 10 days, as this is a kind of test of what would be the effect if natural gas supplies are cut in Europe."