The Energy Management Institute in cooperation with the Diplomatic Institute to the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Bulgaria, is organising a two-day international energy conference entitled “The European Green Deal post COVID-19 and the Bulgarian Energy Transition“, which will take place in Sofia, Bulgaria on 15-16 October 2020. Partners of the event are the National Energy Chamber and the Institute of Energy for South and East Europe.

As you are aware, the conference on “The European Green Deal and the Bulgarian Energy Transition” was originally scheduled for April 23-24, 2020, but was postponed due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The European Commission proposed a new pace for Europe’s green course with the ambitious goal of full climate neutrality by 2050. A number of steps have already been undertaken in this regard at European level.

At the same time, in just three months, the coronavirus pandemic has led to political, economic and social changes, the consequences of which are yet to be reflected. The impact of the pandemic on the energy sector is also more than visible. This requires a reconsideration of the highlights of the conference.

Against this background, the event will discuss key issues related to the development of European, regional and national energy policies in the context of the Green Deal, taking into account the impact of COVID-19.

Thus, the main topics for discussion will be related to:

• The undertaken and forthcoming changes at European and national level and challenges to them.

• The electrification as a backbone of the Green Deal (digitalization, big data, e-mobility, energy storage, retail electricity market liberalization, networks development and  price levels – their role for carbon neutrality), energy efficiency aspects etc.

• The need for a just energy transition and its specifics for Bulgaria.

• The most important challenges that need to be addressed and the necessary measures for the transition to be successful, considering also the newborn conditions as a result of the pandemic.

On the second day of the conference (16 October 2020, 09.00-13.00), a Round table will be organized, dedicated to the Bulgarian energy transition.

The conference is targeted at all stakeholders – government institutions, international organizations, non-governmental sector, energy business and civil society in its entirety. Broad international, regional and national participation is envisaged. 

Participation in the conference is free of charge.

A detailed agenda of the event and information on relevant organisational issues, including the registration, may be followed on the conference website www.emi-bulgaria.com.