According to a new report from the European Commission, Bulgaria has made notable progress in diversifying its energy mix but remains significantly dependent on Russian energy imports.
The report shows that solid fossil fuels accounted for 21% of Bulgaria’s total energy supply in 2021, down from 37% in 2010. During the same period, the share of renewable energy sources increased from 8% to 14%, crude oil and petroleum products rose from 22% to 27%, and nuclear energy grew slightly from 21% to 24%.
Despite these changes, Bulgaria continues to have some of the lowest electricity and gas prices in the European Union. The Commission recognized the country’s efforts to enhance energy security through infrastructure projects designed to diversify gas supply routes. However, following the expiration of the gas transit agreement between Ukraine and Russia, Bulgaria has become the EU’s only remaining entry point for Russian pipeline gas.
To reduce this vulnerability, the Commission recommends expanding the Chiren underground gas storage facility to a capacity of 1 billion cubic meters and increasing the use of alternative routes such as the Trans-Adriatic Pipeline (TAP) and liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminals in Greece.
The report also urges Bulgaria to accelerate its transition away from fossil fuels by promoting renewable energy, phasing out subsidies that support coal-based power and district heating, and investing in modern smart grid technologies. Strengthening energy source diversification and improving the flexibility of the national power system are identified as key measures for ensuring long-term energy security and alignment with EU climate objectives.
