Caretaker Minister of Energy Vladimir Malinov highlighted the significant potential for Bulgaria to export electricity to Ukraine, where the energy production situation is critical. With an expected winter deficit of 4 to 6 GWh, this presents an opportunity for the Bulgarian energy sector to step in.
Malinov noted Bulgaria’s active role in enhancing technical capacity for electricity imports to Ukraine, aiming to increase the current ENTSO-E limit from 1.7 GW to between 2.2 and 2.4 GW.
He also addressed the carbon emissions cap of 11 million tons, which will allow the state-owned TPP Maritsa East 2 to operate at 90% of its installed capacity, producing 1.4 GW in alignment with the National Recovery and Resilience Plan. Malinov expressed confidence that these exports would enable Bulgaria’s generating capacities to function without time constraints, potentially extending beyond 2038.
The Ministry of Energy estimates that Bulgaria will remain within the 11 million ton limit this year, primarily due to the shutdown of ContourGlobal’s TPP Maritsa East 3 in February. Additionally, a long-term contract with AES’ TPP Galabovo is set to expire by mid-2026.
