Nancy McEldowney, the US ambassador to Bulgaria has said that Bulgaria is dependent on only one supplier for energy and this is common for most European countries. The problem, she argues, is that if tomorrow this supplier changes policy the consequences for the region and the continent as a whole could be bitter, McEldowney was quoted as saying in an Atlantic Club speech called “New Era for US-Bulgarian Relations”.
Bulgaria could achieve a long lasting success in the region with the steps it has undertaken for becoming a regional energy-hub. But Bulgaria is also working to expand diversity in another and a very important way – and that is by boosting nuclear energy production and by pursuing pipeline projects. “We applaud Bulgaria’s efforts to serve as a transit route for multiple pipelines. We believe that Bulgaria’s geographic location makes it an ideal hub and we strongly support this country’s efforts to achieve that status,” added the Ambassador as reported in an official press release from the US embassy.
McEldowney mentioned the relationship between Bulgaria and Russia several times. She underlined that it is in Moscow's interest to work with the international community, the European Union, NATO and the United States, and that Russia must avoid driving itself into isolation. She went on to say that it is in the mutual interest of Bulgaria, the US and Russia to find common ground for partnership and development. But, most importantly for Bulgaria itself, is to develop a positive approach to alternative energy supplies and schemes and find a balance whereby it will not jeopardise its relationship with Russia while increasing its co-operation with the United States, reports Dnevnik.
“And that is why we say that the best approach, the best way to secure the best deals for Bulgaria, for Bulgaria’s neighbours, for all of Europe, is to insist on transparency – transparency in all negotiations, with all partners, on all projects. Such dependence can be double-edged. All countries welcome reliable suppliers and dependable revenues. Both our countries have already done a great deal to expand diversification. The United States is exploring clean coal technology, expanding biofuels research, and investigating renewable technology in Bulgaria, with the help of U.S. investors, is building the largest wind park in the region, it is investigating clean coal projects, and also exploring the use of liquefied natural gas,” added McEldwoney.
This is an extract from her speech that can be found on the US Embassy website.
Bulgaria could achieve a long lasting success in the region with the steps it has undertaken for becoming a regional energy-hub. But Bulgaria is also working to expand diversity in another and a very important way – and that is by boosting nuclear energy production and by pursuing pipeline projects. “We applaud Bulgaria’s efforts to serve as a transit route for multiple pipelines. We believe that Bulgaria’s geographic location makes it an ideal hub and we strongly support this country’s efforts to achieve that status,” added the Ambassador as reported in an official press release from the US embassy.
McEldowney mentioned the relationship between Bulgaria and Russia several times. She underlined that it is in Moscow's interest to work with the international community, the European Union, NATO and the United States, and that Russia must avoid driving itself into isolation. She went on to say that it is in the mutual interest of Bulgaria, the US and Russia to find common ground for partnership and development. But, most importantly for Bulgaria itself, is to develop a positive approach to alternative energy supplies and schemes and find a balance whereby it will not jeopardise its relationship with Russia while increasing its co-operation with the United States, reports Dnevnik.
“And that is why we say that the best approach, the best way to secure the best deals for Bulgaria, for Bulgaria’s neighbours, for all of Europe, is to insist on transparency – transparency in all negotiations, with all partners, on all projects. Such dependence can be double-edged. All countries welcome reliable suppliers and dependable revenues. Both our countries have already done a great deal to expand diversification. The United States is exploring clean coal technology, expanding biofuels research, and investigating renewable technology in Bulgaria, with the help of U.S. investors, is building the largest wind park in the region, it is investigating clean coal projects, and also exploring the use of liquefied natural gas,” added McEldwoney.
This is an extract from her speech that can be found on the US Embassy website.
