Bulgaria’s energy sector has undergone significant transformation since joining the European Union (EU) in 2007. With access to EU funding, policy frameworks, and environmental regulations, the country has taken steps toward renewable energy adoption, energy security, and sustainability.

However, Bulgaria remains one of the most energy-dependent EU nations, heavily reliant on coal and Russian natural gas. Despite efforts to increase wind, solar, and hydropower capacity, progress in renewable energy adoption lags behind regional peers like Poland and the Baltic states.

This article examines Bulgaria’s energy transition, sustainability policies, and challenges in aligning with EU climate goals, while exploring potential solutions for a cleaner and more secure energy future.

Energy Mix and Dependence on Fossil Fuels
1. Bulgaria’s Energy Composition: Coal, Gas, and Nuclear Domination
Coal remains Bulgaria’s primary energy source, accounting for over 40% of total electricity generation.
The Kozloduy Nuclear Power Plant produces about 35% of Bulgaria’s electricity, making nuclear a key part of the country’s energy strategy.
Natural gas, primarily imported from Russia, covers about 12–15% of Bulgaria’s energy consumption.
Renewables account for just 20% of total energy production, lower than the EU average of 32%.
2. Bulgaria’s Dependence on Russian Energy Imports
Before 2022, Bulgaria imported nearly 90% of its natural gas from Russia, making it one of the most vulnerable EU nations to supply disruptions.
The Russia-Ukraine war and subsequent EU sanctions forced Bulgaria to seek alternative energy sources.
Bulgaria has increased gas imports from Azerbaijan and liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminals in Greece, reducing Russian dependence to less than 30% by 2024.
3. The Role of Nuclear Energy in Bulgaria’s Energy Security
The Kozloduy Nuclear Power Plant, Bulgaria’s only nuclear facility, has provided stable and affordable electricity for decades.
Plans to build new nuclear reactors are underway, with potential partnerships with US and European firms.
Nuclear energy remains a controversial but necessary part of Bulgaria’s transition away from fossil fuels.
The Growth of Renewable Energy in Bulgaria
1. Expansion of Solar and Wind Energy
Solar energy capacity has tripled since 2015, with EU funding supporting new installations in rural and industrial areas.
Wind power projects have expanded in northeastern Bulgaria, particularly near Kavarna and Dobrich.
Despite growth, Bulgaria’s wind and solar capacity (around 3 GW) remains significantly lower than Poland (10 GW) and Romania (7 GW).
2. Hydropower: A Longstanding Energy Source
Bulgaria has an extensive network of hydroelectric power plants, contributing around 7% of total electricity production.
Key hydropower facilities include:
Belmeken Hydro Power Plant
Batak Hydroelectric Complex
Tsankov Kamak Hydro Power Plant
Climate change and seasonal droughts have impacted hydropower efficiency, creating challenges for long-term sustainability.
3. Bulgaria’s Challenges in Meeting EU Renewable Energy Targets
The EU’s 2030 climate goals require Bulgaria to reach at least 32% renewable energy in its total energy mix, a target that seems difficult given slow policy implementation.
Bureaucratic delays, insufficient private investment, and grid integration issues have slowed renewable energy development.
Unlike Estonia and Lithuania, which rapidly transitioned to green energy, Bulgaria relies heavily on outdated infrastructure and slow regulatory approvals.
The Impact of EU Policies and Green Deal Compliance
1. EU Climate Goals and Bulgaria’s Obligations
As part of the European Green Deal, Bulgaria is required to:
Reduce carbon emissions by 55% by 2030.
Phase out coal plants by the mid-2030s.
Expand renewable energy capacity and energy storage solutions.
Failure to meet these targets could result in financial penalties and restricted access to EU funds.
2. EU Funding for Green Energy and Sustainability Projects
Bulgaria has received over €3 billion in EU funds for energy transition and climate action.
Key EU-funded projects include:
Smart grid upgrades to improve renewable energy distribution.
Energy efficiency programs for public buildings and households.
Sustainable mobility projects, including electric vehicle infrastructure.
Despite EU support, fund absorption remains low, with many projects facing administrative and legal delays.
3. Carbon Emissions and Bulgaria’s Slow Decarbonization
Bulgaria remains one of the EU’s highest carbon emitters per capita, primarily due to its reliance on coal.
The Maritsa East coal complex, Bulgaria’s largest coal-fired power plant, faces growing pressure for closure.
The transition from coal to renewables is politically sensitive, as it could lead to mass job losses in coal-dependent regions.
Energy Security and Diversification Efforts
1. Alternative Gas Sources and Regional Cooperation
Bulgaria is expanding its gas interconnections with Greece, Serbia, and Romania to enhance regional energy security.
The Balkan Gas Hub is being developed to reduce dependency on Russian supplies.
LNG imports from Qatar and the United States are also increasing.
2. Energy Storage and Smart Grid Investments
Bulgaria must invest in energy storage solutions (such as battery farms and pumped hydro storage) to manage fluctuations in renewable energy supply.
Smart grid technology and digital energy management are key to creating a modern and efficient electricity network.
3. Expanding Electric Vehicle (EV) Infrastructure
EU funds are being used to develop EV charging stations, but Bulgaria lags behind in EV adoption compared to Western Europe.
Tax incentives and subsidies for electric cars and renewable energy adoption need further expansion.
Comparison With Other Eastern European Nations
1. Poland and Romania: Leading Renewable Energy Investments
Poland has aggressively expanded offshore wind and solar power, attracting billions in foreign investment.
Romania is leading in hydrogen energy development and smart grid expansion.
2. The Baltic States: Energy Independence Success Stories
Estonia and Lithuania severed their reliance on Russian energy by investing in LNG terminals and wind farms.
Latvia is developing one of the most advanced digital energy markets in Europe.
3. Bulgaria’s Slow Progress Compared to Peers
While its neighbors have transitioned faster, Bulgaria remains heavily reliant on fossil fuels and state-controlled energy monopolies.
Reforming the energy sector and increasing transparency are critical for Bulgaria to catch up.
Future Strategies for Bulgaria’s Energy Transition
1. Accelerating Renewable Energy Expansion
Fast-tracking approvals for wind and solar projects is crucial.
Public-private partnerships should be encouraged to attract green energy investors.
2. Phasing Out Coal While Supporting Workers
Bulgaria must develop retraining programs for coal industry workers.
EU Just Transition Fund resources should be used to support affected regions.
3. Strengthening Energy Security and Diversification
Expanding nuclear energy capacity could provide long-term stability.
Enhancing regional cooperation with Greece, Romania, and Serbia will improve supply chain resilience.
4. Digitalization and Smart Grid Development
Investments in AI-driven energy management and smart electricity grids will optimize resource usage.
Energy efficiency incentives for businesses and households should be expanded.
Conclusion
Bulgaria has made significant strides in energy diversification and renewable adoption, but progress has been slower than required to meet EU climate goals. The country’s continued reliance on coal and Russian gas poses long-term risks, and faster adoption of green energy is necessary.

To secure a sustainable energy future, Bulgaria must accelerate renewable investments, enhance energy efficiency, and strengthen energy security partnerships. With stronger policies, better governance, and smarter investments, Bulgaria can position itself as a leader in clean energy transition within the Balkans.