ENERGY SECURITY AND ENERGY CONSUMPTION IN BULGARIA

VASSILEVA Antoaneta (PhD, Professor, University of National and World Economy – Sofia, Faculty of International Economy and Policy), antoaneta_vassileva@yahoo.com
Boneva Svetla (Ph. D, Assoc. Prof., University of National and World Economy – Sofia, Faculty of International Economy and Policy), svetla_bogdanova@yahoo.com

The paper defines the concept of energy security and outlines the role of energy security for national economies. The energy sector in Bulgaria has been analyzed as well as the energy dependence from foreign energy supplies that secure/ensure internal energy consumption. The paper gives information for the dynamics and trends of development of energy consumption in Bulgaria for the period 1990–2013. The prognoses for the future energy consumption trends are presented. The method of trend extrapolation of energy consumption development is used. The energy balance of Bulgaria is analyzed regarding the usage of local and imported primary energy sources (coal, petrol, natural gas, nuclear energy, renewable energy sources) for ensuring final domestic energy consumption (for all industrial sectors and households). A detailed analysis of each of the primary energy sources used for electricity production is elaborated; the advantages and disadvantages of each of them have been explained. Special attention has been paid to the engagement of Bulgaria concerning the implementation of Europe 2020 strategy and the future energy policy of the country that includes not only enhancing energy security but also increasing the share of renewable energy sources in final energy consumption, building of a new energy infrastructure, development of a highly competitive energy market, finding the right balance between the interests of energy consumers and energy producers and suppliers. The article also points out the dependence of major energy projects upon the changes in political situation.

Keywords: Energy security, energy consumption, energy sources, energy statistics