Bulgarian Minister: Energy Is Key to National Security
Bulgaria is in dire need of a wide and deep energy diversification, according to Minister of Economy and Energy Traicho Traikov who spoke at the NATO parliamentary summit held in Varna Sunday.
"Bulgaria has some 70% of its energy sources imported. We need to change that and see to it that we buy only from reliable partners," said Traikov.
"Energy security is not a factor in economic prosperity, but also a key part of national security," remarked the energy minister.
As included in Bulgaria's efforts to diversify, Traikov mentioned the ongoing constructions of links with the natural gas infrastructures of neighboring countries, Bulgaria's participation in the Nabucco and South Stream natural gas pipeline projects, the opportunity to transport compressed gas from Azerbaijan, as well as ongoing projects to explore for shale gas within Bulgaria.
Regarding South Stream, Traikov said it diversifies not the energy source (natural gas from Russia), but only the route currently used by Bulgaria.
The Economy and Energy Minister futher underscored Bulgaria's commitment to nuclear energy and the building of Belene NPP, should the project be economically viable. (Source: Sofia News Agency)