Renewable energy sources is the next sector after construction that is going to be affected by the crisis, and this will affect negatively the Bulgarian economy as a whole, said chairman of the Bulgarian Industrial Association, Bozhidar Danev, at a national forum on the development of low-carbon energy in Bulgaria. It is expected that by 2020 the energy sources will be diversified, and the carbon emissions reduced. The Association called for a new policy for renewable energy sources and revision of long-term agreements in the sector, as the price of electricity rises also due to the green energy.
“The threat of a new speculative balloon is real,” Mr Danev warned. “A great number of investments in the sector are motivated not by market principles but by administrative privileges for a certain group of renewable energy sources. This will lead to deformation of the Bulgarian economy and will make it more vulnerable.”
The experts propose creation of a national plan for the location of renewable energy sources and equal stimuli for all types of such sources. Energy expert Lulin Radulov said that achieving the goal of 16% of the energy in Bulgaria to come from renewable energy sources can be done cheaper through stimulating energy efficiency.
“It is a period of big changes in the world energy sector, as it has become clear that lack of energy sources in not an issue but the environmental problems are grave,” Lulin Radulov said. “That is why the EC has decided to become a world leader of the new energy policy and prepared two packages of measures. The first was created in 2007 and it was aimed at liberalization of energy deliveries. The other package was adopted in 2009 and it concerns climate issues. The package has defined the goals for 2020. First, renewable energy sources must comprise 20% of the total energy consumption. Harmful emission must be reduced by 20% and the energy consumption must be reduced by 20% through raising the energy efficiency. Bulgaria, as a EU Member State has already started working on the implementation of this policy.”
According to statistic data presented in the report of the Bulgarian Industrial Association, coal was the main source of energy in Bulgaria in 2008. The share of atomic energy was 35%, while 7.6% came from renewable energy sources, mainly hydroelectric plants. Just 0.3 % of the energy came from solar or wind power.
“Green energy is everywhere – in the news, in politics, in fashion and technologies. This shows that we have accepted our responsibilities towards the environment,” Milena Tsenova from the office of the Economy Minister, said. “We must find the mechanisms and reduce the carbon imprint, stimulating environment protection. More than half of our energy comes from thermal electric plants, which are the major source of pollution. Energy efficiency and using of renewable energy sources is the solution. If 6 000 social buildings were renovated, 1000 mW of energy would be saved. We have been working on a new energy strategy and a law for the renewable energy sources, which will be a subject to public discussions.”
Source: Radio Bulgaria
