Wind power potential in the Black Sea discussed again by experts in Varna

One of the hottest topics in the energy sector in recent years, the potential for wind energy generation in the Black Sea, was discussed again in Bulgaria’s coastal city of Varna. The aim is to provide the public with real and objective information about the benefits and drawbacks of wind turbines and to focus on the potential of the Black Sea for clean and cheap energy generation.

The supporters of the idea of building wind farms in the Black Sea find undeniable economic benefits from them.

Maria Trifonova, a lecturer at Sofia University (SU): "This is an industry that has the potential for large-scale deployment of a technology that could lead to achieving decarbonisation targets, which by 2030, if you look at the national energy and climate agenda, are quite ambitious. That can happen with offshore wind."

However, all possible effects need to be considered before strategic decisions are made in the field. According to former energy minister, Alexander Nikolov, the interests of the state and private investors are at odds in this case:

"It should not be forgotten that Bulgaria has quite serious potential in alternative projects. The focus should not necessarily be placed on projects that are offshore."

The experts recall that wind energy is a strategically important technology for the European Union and add that there are currently huge opportunities for building grid infrastructure, unleashing the industrial potential of regions and developing ports.

Maria Trifonova, lecturer at SU: "Poland is a country that has said in its strategic framework - we want to have 18 gigawatts of total offshore wind capacity, but necessarily this is linked to investment in port infrastructure. Such an industry could bring up to 10, 000 jobs, 33% of which are local suppliers of equipment, of logistics services.

Others believe that wind turbines will never be able to fully offset coal-fired power generation.