Energy Minister is in the US, discussing LNG supplies for Bulgaria and the region

energy minister discussing lng supplies bulgaria region

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19:46, 22.05.2024

Through supplies from the United States Bulgaria will establish itself as a key factor for energy security in the region, said caretaker Energy Minister, Vladimir Malinov, who is visiting Washington.

"Bulgaria's excellently developed gas transmission system, as well as the significant capacity of the regasification terminals in Greece and Turkey at Bulgargaz' disposal, enable us to supply significant volumes of LNG to the countries of the region. This capacity can be used by US producers and traders for strategic long-term supply and is a successful response to the challenges of diversification and substitution of Russian pipeline gas to the countries of South-Eastern Europe," caretaker Minister Malinov said during his meeting at the White House with Steven Burns, Director for Energy Security, and Jeremy Long, Director for the Balkans and Central Europe at the US National Security Council.

The main topic of the talks was the security of LNG supply to Bulgaria and the region and the need to replace Russian gas, which is currently predominant. Minister Malinov has paid serious attention to the fact that within the last six months there has been a return of Russian natural gas to the markets in Bulgaria and the region through intermediary companies.

"In this sense, a thorough analysis of its impact on the market and possible measures to be taken is needed," the caretaker Energy Minister emphasized.

In his words, the supply of LNG from the US is a key factor in ensuring the energy security of Bulgaria and the region, and deepening this cooperation is a top priority for the country.

Minister Malinov and his hosts from the White House also discussed the need to ensure cybersecurity for the strategic infrastructure facilities in the energy sector as part of Bulgaria's national security.

Steven Burns and Jeremy Long committed to support and seek opportunities for the United States to provide American LNG to Ukraine and the entire region, the Department of Energy said.

Attracting U.S. strategic partners and strengthening our economic cooperation by providing technology, know-how and expertise in transforming Bulgaria's energy sector was also one of the highlights of the strategic dialogue between the two countries.

Caretaker Minister Malinov informed his hosts about the development of the Vertical Gas Corridor initiative, which is being implemented between the gas transmission operators of Greece, Bulgaria, Romania, Hungary, Slovakia, Ukraine and Moldova.

"The project will allow access to significant quantities of liquefied natural gas for Central and Eastern European countries, fully in line with European priorities for secure and reliable supply," caretaker Minister Malinov pointed out.

He focused on Ukraine's accession to the initiative, which will provide an opportunity not only to replace gas from Russia, but also to secure flows of reliable LNG sources through Kiev's network and gas storage facilities. At the same time, the implementation of the Vertical Gas Corridor concept provides an opportunity to exploit the potential of the Ukrainian network after the upcoming cessation of Russian gas transit through the country from 1 January 2025.