BAKU, Azerbaijan, March 3. Bulgaria is
interested in expanding cooperation with Azerbaijan in the energy
sector, Bulgaria’s Deputy Minister of Energy Teodora Georgieva told
Trend in an interview
on the sidelines of the 12th Ministerial Meeting of the Southern
Gas Corridor Advisory Council and the 4th Ministerial Meeting of
the Green Energy Advisory Council in Baku.


“There are many areas for cooperation. A number of projects
playing an important role are currently being implemented. Two of
them are located in Panagyurishte. One is a gas distribution
project in which SOCAR is interested, together with Asarel Energy.
In addition, a hybrid compressed natural gas (CNG) system project
initiated by SOCAR has been launched in Bulgaria. The hybrid system
could become a good model not only for Bulgaria but also for
Albania and Azerbaijan,” Georgieva said.


According to her, many successful joint projects are currently
being implemented, and Azerbaijani companies are actively operating
in Bulgaria and finding reliable partners, which deserves high
appreciation.


The deputy minister noted that through the Interconnector
Greece-Bulgaria (IGB), Bulgaria is an integral part of the Southern
Gas Corridor — a proven model of how countries, united by a common
vision, can build infrastructure that delivers real energy security
and independence for Europe.


“Azerbaijan is one of Bulgaria’s most important and trusted
energy partners, supplying over 40 percent of our natural gas.
Crucially, Azerbaijan provides affordable and competitive gas,
which is vital for the Bulgarian industry, manufacturing, and the
competitiveness of our economy. This partnership is built on
reliability, predictability, and long-term strategic alignment. We
are receiving 1 bcm annually for 25 years through the contract
between AGSC and Bulgargaz,” Georgieva said.


According to her, Bulgaria was previously 90 percent dependent
on Gazprom, and prices were unfavorable.


“The Southern Gas Corridor played a significant role and changed
the situation,” she said.


Georgieva stressed that it is essential for the European
Commission to develop a grant-based mechanism to support the
expansion of this infrastructure, noting that Europe needs stable,
diversified, and predictable supply routes, and the Southern Gas
Corridor is a strategic asset in this regard.







Moreover, she said Bulgaria expects SOCAR and Asarel to move
forward with the joint venture, licensing, and construction, which
would mark SOCAR’s first direct investment in Bulgaria.


“The hybrid gasification project with M-Gaz is socially and
strategically important. We expect SOCAR to prioritize gas volumes
for Bulgaria, North Macedonia, and Albania, given the strong social
impact on schools, kindergartens, communities, and remote regions,”
she noted.


Georgieva also said that the Azerbaijani-Bulgarian joint venture
is developing the first used-oil recycling plant in the Caspian
region, with commissioning planned for May 2026.


“We welcome SOCAR’s interest in expanding its presence on
Bulgaria’s fuel market, including potential asset acquisitions.
Bulgaria stands ready to assist within the legal and regulatory
framework,” she added.


The deputy minister also noted that “green corridors,” which
have significant potential, were discussed during the meeting.


“We strongly support the development of green corridors within
the Southern Gas Corridor initiative. These initiatives do not
replace our cooperation — they build on it and deepen it. They
modernize existing infrastructure, reduce emissions, and ensure
that natural gas continues to play its essential role as a
balancing fuel during the energy transition,” she said.