Caretaker Minister of Energy Vladimir Malinov and his Omani counterpart Salim al-Aufi have agreed to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to enhance bilateral relations in the energy sector. The MoU, set to be signed within the next two months, will focus on deepening cooperation in areas such as oil, natural gas, hydrogen, renewable energy production and storage, and potential Omani investments in Bulgaria’s energy sector.
Minister Malinov emphasized the importance of securing and diversifying energy supplies as a key aspect of Bulgaria’s national security. He highlighted that one of Bulgaria’s primary goals is to ensure long-term supplies of liquefied natural gas (LNG). The Greek LNG terminal in Alexandroupoli, in which Bulgaria holds a stake, is expected to commence commercial operations after October 1, 2024.
Salim al-Aufi expressed interest in Bulgaria’s expertise in operating pumped storage hydropower plants as a method of storing energy from renewable sources. The discussion also covered the potential supply of LNG to Bulgaria for the upcoming winter season, as well as collaboration in hydrogen energy. Malinov noted that Bulgaria could serve as a gateway for hydrogen producers and traders to the European market. Bulgaria and Greece have already developed a project to construct a hydrogen interconnector, which is recognized as a project of common interest for the European Union.
