Bogomil Manchev: Global Energy Instability Deepens the Need for Strategic Planning and Nuclear Capacity

The world is entering a new phase of energy instability, in which geopolitical tensions, technological transition, and long‑standing structural weaknesses simultaneously affect supply security and price levels. This was emphasized in an interview for Money.bg by the Chairman of the Bulgarian Atomic Forum (BULATOM), Eng. Bogomil Manchev.

The key points from the interview can be summarized as follows:

Global Context: A Crisis Without Precedent

According to Bogomil Manchev, the current energy crisis — intensified by tensions surrounding Iran and the risks to the Strait of Hormuz — “has no precedent so far.”
He notes that potential restrictions in the strait could affect around 20% of global oil and gas deliveries, further increasing pressure on international markets.
The crisis now impacts not only crude oil but the entire industrial chain, including the production of nitrogen fertilizers — a critical component for global agriculture.

Inflationary Pressure and Economic Impact

Energy disruptions are becoming a persistent driver of inflation. “Fuel prices may fall, but food prices and everything else will never go down,” Manchev comments, stressing that Europe has already imported external inflation that cannot be offset internally.

Bulgarian Energy Sector: Lack of Planning and Systemic Coordination

Manchev describes the state of the Bulgarian energy system as “chaos,” driven by the absence of long‑term planning and coordination between different energy sources. “No one has made a plan. Everyone builds wherever they can, not where they should,” he adds.

The development of renewables is happening without a strategic framework, leading to system conflicts and inefficient use of resources.

He also expresses skepticism toward expectations that battery systems can solve the mismatch between renewable generation and consumption, as production and demand do not coincide in time.

Nuclear Energy as a Strategic Pillar

Against this backdrop, nuclear energy remains a key element of the future energy mix. “Nuclear energy does not depend on the Strait of Hormuz,” Manchev emphasizes, highlighting its resilience to geopolitical risks.
He notes that the project for new units at Kozloduy NPP, involving Westinghouse and Hyundai, is progressing, although the design phase has been extended by 14 months upon request.

Belene NPP: A Technically Feasible Project with European Participation

Manchev stresses that the Belene project is not technically closed and could be implemented using French technologies and Framatome fuel, with the existing equipment integrated into a new configuration. The main challenge remains financing — the required investment is estimated .

Future Outlook

According to Manchev, Bulgaria’s future energy strategy must be oriented toward stable baseload nuclear capacity, balanced renewables, and industrial deployment of new technologies — including for the needs of gigafactories, chip production, and data centers.

The full interview can be viewed in the video below