Digitalization in the energy sector and the introduction of new tools for analysis and visualization were the focus of a working meeting between the caretaker Minister of Energy Traycho Traykov and the manager of “ESRI Bulgaria” (ESRI Bulgaria) Miglena Kuzmanova, the Ministry of Energy announced.
Among the discussed possibilities is the creation of a common system for tracking power outages in the country. Such a platform would unite and visualize in one place the information from the three electricity distribution companies, which is currently fragmented. This will allow the building of a clear picture in real time for both institutions and consumers, as well as more effective management in crisis situations, provided that the companies join the initiative.
Within the framework of the meeting, the concept for an energy atlas of Bulgaria was also presented, which envisages the creation of a unified database for all energy resources. It will include maps of the electricity transmission and distribution network, renewable energy sources, energy storage systems and gas infrastructure, taking into account the interrelationships between them in order to better plan in the sector.
Focus was also placed on the reclamation of land for coal mining and underground resources. Satellite imagery can be used to track the restoration of areas, including in the “Maritsa East” complex. The data will show the actual progress, and the visualization will provide greater transparency and the possibility of control.
“The digitalization of the energy sector is not just a technological step - it is a way to make the system more transparent and predictable for both consumers and businesses and producers. In the ministry, we are working purposefully to open free public access to data and we will announce the first such tools in days,” Traycho Traykov said, quoted in the announcement. According to him, access to data and their aggregation in a systematized form will be useful for various stakeholders, for experts and for people in managerial and management positions in the sector, because it will allow more informed decisions to be made and more efficient resource management.
Traykov encouraged the discussion at the expert level of the possibilities for expanding and upgrading the existing systems in the Ministry of Energy.