SOFIA, June 3 (MENA) - Bulgaria’s ambition is not only to be an exporter of electricity but to ensure that this energy generates added value within the country, the Bulgarian News Agency quoted Energy Minister Zhecho Stankov as saying.

He was speaking Tuesday during a discussion titled “Bulgaria – a Regional Hub for High-Tech Business, AI, Green Solutions & Innovation,” organized by the Norwegian-Bulgarian Chamber of Commerce and the American Chamber of Commerce in Bulgaria, the energy ministry said in a statement.

According to Stankov, one of the key challenges facing AI gigafactories and data centers is the availability of large volumes of secure, affordable electricity. In response, the government is planning major projects aimed at securing sufficient reliable and cost-effective energy, as well as storage infrastructure, he noted.

“With the projects included in our portfolio, we aim to ensure Bulgaria’s role as a regional hub in Southeast Europe,” Stankov stated.

He pointed out to efforts to restore the Chaira pumped storage hydro-power plant (PSHPP), which is expected to operate at 75% capacity by mid-2025, and prospects for building four new PSHPPs. Bulgaria has applied for these to be recognized as Projects of Common Interest by the European Commission. (MENA)

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