Bulgaria’s new energy programme for 2026-2030 places nuclear power and coal-fired reserves at the centre of its power system, alongside expanded storage, gas infrastructure and renewable generation. The strategy is built around a diversified supply mix that includes nuclear, coal, natural gas, hydropower and renewables. Batteries and stronger transmission infrastructure are also included in the approach.
Diversified generation and dispatchable capacity
The plan maintains a portfolio spanning nuclear, coal, natural gas, hydropower and renewables to support system needs. It also keeps batteries in the framework, together with upgrades to transmission infrastructure. Bulgaria’s policy documents indicate that dispatchable resources remain relevant when supply conditions tighten.
Bulgaria says coal-fired plants would not be removed immediately from the system. Instead, selected capacity is to be retained as a strategic reserve for peak demand and emergency conditions. The document links this reserve role to periods affected by drought, nuclear outages or weak renewable output.
Kozloduy extension and AP1000 pathway
Bulgaria intends to extend the operation of Kozloduy units 5 and 6. At the same time, it plans to pursue Kozloduy units 7 and 8 using AP1000 technology. Small modular reactors remain under consideration within the broader nuclear outlook.
Gas storage expansion and pumped-storage hydro
On gas infrastructure, Bulgaria plans to expand the Chiren underground gas storage facility to 1 billion cubic metres. The stated objective is to strengthen management of seasonal supply fluctuations. New pumped-storage hydro projects are also identified as a priority.
Regional role as an energy hub
The strategy reinforces Sofia’s ambition to position Bulgaria as an energy hub between Greece, Turkey, Romania, Serbia and Central Europe. It ties that role to cross-border flows of electricity and changing regional supply patterns. The document also points to LNG moving north from Greek terminals and batteries in Bulgaria absorbing surplus solar generation produced elsewhere in Southeast Europe.
