CIG has learned of recent announcements by the Bulgarian Economy and Energy Minister recently, indicating that the his nation intends moving away from conventional high CO2 emitting fossil fuels and forward with green energy as well as increasing current energy efficiency.
The newly elected government which took power in mid-year has been attempting to make gas and electricity system operators, which are currently controlled by the state held BEH, independent to increase competition by enticing new players into the industry thereby cutting consumer prices.
"To decrease the greenhouse gasses, we need to consume less and cleaner energy," CIG believes the minister was quoted as saying recently, adding that, "the three steps, the transparent development of the electricity and gas networks, the set up of an energy bourse and the separation of the operators can be carried out during our mandate."
The new policy is hoped to be finalized and accepted by the government by year end or early 2010.
The Minister stressed that Bulgaria would require strong EU assistance and large bank loans on its path to cutting the energy intensity of the GDP which is presently twice as high as the EU average, CIG was informed.
