Geothermal Energy as a Strategic Resource: Meeting between the Bulgarian Association Geothermal Energy (BAGE) and the Embassy of the Netherlands in Sofia

Over the past week, the Bulgarian Association Geothermal Energy (BAGE) held a working meeting with representatives of the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Sofia, dedicated to exploring opportunities to support and advance the development of geothermal energy in Bulgaria and its application in greenhouse production. During the meeting, key challenges facing the Bulgarian greenhouse sector were discussed, including high energy costs and a lower level of implementation of modern technologies. In this context, the participants shared the view that geothermal energy can become a strategic solution, providing sustainable, predictable, and significantly more affordable energy for agriculture and the food industry.

The Netherlands, with its proven experience and advanced technologies in both geothermal energy and greenhouse production, was highlighted as a key partner for the development of Bulgaria’s geothermal potential. Such cooperation could create conditions for year-round production, increased competitiveness, and improved access to both domestic and international markets.

For its part, the Bulgarian Association Geothermal Energy once again reaffirmed its role as both a leading partner and a driving force in the development of the geothermal sector in the country, as well as a reliable source of expertise and practical solutions related to local geology, the regulatory framework, and the accumulated professional experience of its team and members.

The dialogue also addressed topics related to public policies, investment instruments, available support mechanisms for projects in the fields of geothermal energy and sustainable agriculture, as well as the specific characteristics and potential of shallow and deep geothermal resources.

The meeting confirmed the shared understanding that bilateral cooperation between Bulgaria and the Netherlands has the potential to accelerate the deployment of geothermal solutions, reduce energy costs in greenhouse production, and contribute to the more sustainable development of the sector. This represents a first, but extremely important, step toward deeper partnership, which will continue through future initiatives, expert exchange, and joint projects focused on energy efficiency, innovation, and the application of geothermal energy in Bulgaria.