Kavarna has become the epicenter of discussions about the future of wind energy in Bulgaria. A workshop, titled "20 years of wind energy in Bulgaria", brought together experts from the Association for Production, Storage and Trade of Electricity (APSTE) and the Bulgarian Wind Energy Association (BGWEA).
The event was marked by optimism, fueled by the dynamic development of the sector.
Optimism for wind energy
The chairman of APSTE, Nikola Gazdov, shared encouraging information during the seminar. "There are new wind energy projects that are developing, and several are in a relatively advanced stage", he stated, painting a picture of a rapidly developing industry. Gazdov emphasized that the current wind energy capacity in the country reaches approximately 700 megawatts. This number, while significant, represents only a fraction of the potential, according to him. The atmosphere in the room was filled with expectation for further growth.
The interest of Bulgarian companies in green energy is unambiguous, Gazdov was categorical. "There is no industrial company in Bulgaria that does not have an interest in concluding a contract for the purchase of electricity from the wind", he stressed. This frank statement is a strong signal for the growing demand for renewable energy sources in the Bulgarian market.
Gazdov noted the significant jump in wind energy potential over the last 10-15 years. "The potential for new wind power capacity in the country is much greater than 10-15 years ago due to technological development and the capabilities of new turbines", he said, explaining technological advances as a key factor in exploiting a larger number of wind power capacities.
Challenges facing the sector
Despite the optimism, Gazdov also pointed out existing challenges. The limitations, according to him, are now less related to wind potential and are more likely due to administrative procedures and misinformation. This conclusion sheds light on the need for more efficient regulatory frameworks and transparent communication to maximize the potential of Bulgarian wind energy. The room radiated a mixed feeling – optimism intertwined with concern about bureaucratic obstacles to the sustainable development of the industry.