Bulgaria and Japan: Strategic Partnership in the Energy Sector

In the heart of the Bulgarian capital, a large-scale bilateral business forum was held, which marked the beginning of a new stage in energy relations between Bulgaria and Japan. The event, jointly organized by the Executive Agency for Promotion of Small and Medium Enterprises, the Japanese Embassy, the Ministry of Economy of Japan, and the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO), attracted the attention of leading experts and business leaders.

Energy Minister Zhecho Stankov delivered a key speech, highlighting the long-standing history of cooperation between the two countries. He specifically emphasized the joint project with Toshiba from three decades ago, when the largest pump storage hydroelectric power plant on the Balkan Peninsula – PSPP Chaira – was built.

During the forum, ambitious national energy initiatives were presented, demonstrating Bulgaria's desire to become a regional energy balancer. Among the key projects, Minister Stankov revealed the expansion of the Kozloduy NPP with units 7 and 8, as well as plans to build four new pump storage hydroelectric power plants.

Official representatives of the Electricity System Operator and the National Electric Company presented specific opportunities for future partnership with Japanese companies. Stankov emphasized that the interaction between the two countries goes beyond purely economic interests and represents a bridge between different cultural traditions and shared professional experience.

The forum outlined the strategic vision for deepening energy cooperation, focusing on mutual benefit and potential for technological transfer. Representatives from both sides demonstrated readiness for joint innovative solutions in the field of sustainable energy.

The event reinforced the impression that Bulgaria and Japan are ready to build a solid foundation for long-term partnership that can bring significant benefits to both economies. Minister Stankov stated that upcoming joint projects will contribute to increasing energy efficiency and the competitiveness of the national economy.

The business forum "Infrastructure, Energy, and Digitalization" became a platform for open dialogue and exchange of expert opinions, marking the beginning of a new stage in Bulgarian-Japanese relations in the energy sector.