During a public discussion at the Energy and Water Regulatory Commission (EWRC) building, key challenges to gas infrastructure development in Bulgaria were presented. The forum was dedicated to the Ten-Year Network Development Plan of Bulgartransgaz EAD for the period 2025-2034.
Maria Krasteva, Executive Director of the Bulgarian Natural Gas Association, highlighted significant progress in cross-border transmission, noting a 20% increase in transmission volumes. At the same time, she expressed concern about dramatically lower natural gas volumes for the domestic market compared to transit quantities.
According to the presented forecasts, a 70% increase in consumers is expected by 2034. Krasteva, however, emphasized the critical need for infrastructure leading to populated areas, which is currently missing from investment plans.
Nikola Delev from Bulgartransgaz objected to this statement, pointing out that the company has built several internal transmission points in recent years. He emphasized the company's commitment to infrastructure development.
Plamen Pavlov, Chairman of the Bulgarian Gas Association, added that the company is actively working on the gas transmission network, but not as intensively on gas distribution. He linked this approach to the European policy of gradually limiting natural gas use, which has significant economic consequences.
The discussion highlighted the need for a balanced approach to gas infrastructure development that simultaneously considers economic interests and European environmental goals.