The outgoing Minister of Energy Zhecho Stankov held an online meeting with Tommy Joyce, Assistant Secretary for International Affairs at the US Department of Energy, the relevant ministry announced.
The two discussed the expansion and deepening of the strategic partnership between the two countries in the energy sector, with an emphasis on projects of mutual interest and long-term significance for economic and energy security.
In this context, an understanding was reached to create a joint expert group (Energy Project Team) to work at a technical level on priority projects in addition to those in nuclear energy. The unit will aim to ensure consistency and efficiency in cooperation in three key areas: development in the field of critical raw materials and rare earth elements, where Bulgaria already has an established partnership with North Dakota and good prospects for upgrading; implementation of pumped storage hydro power plant (PSHPP) projects in Bulgaria with American technologies, which can make a significant contribution to balancing the energy system and integrating renewable sources; supplies of liquefied natural gas and infrastructure development, as a key element of the efforts to diversify and increase the security of energy supplies.
“The partnership with the US is of strategic importance for Bulgaria not only in nuclear energy, but also in the broader architecture of energy security. The creation of a joint team is a clear sign that we are moving towards systematic, practical work with a long-term vision,” Minister Stankov emphasized, quoted in the press release of the Ministry of Energy’s press center.
During the conversation, current issues related to the construction of the 7th and 8th units of the Kozloduy NPP were also discussed. The readiness to continue active cooperation with laboratories of the US Department of Energy regarding the study for the implementation of small modular reactors was also confirmed. In this sense, progress was noted on the project for a study, implemented with the support of the US Trade and Development Agency (USTDA), for which a procedure for selecting a consultant has already been launched.
BTA recalls that during a visit to the US from July 15 to 18 last year, Zhecho Stankov held a number of meetings during which he discussed deepening cooperation in energy and high technologies.