Research in Bioenergy and Other Renewable Energy Sources in Bulgaria

The interest in Renewable Energy Sources (RES) in Bulgaria reflects the changes in the field of energy policy worldwide and in Europe. The key to successful development of renewable energies in Bulgaria requires a combination of political commitment and decision making as well as support mechanisms including well-defined government targets, technological advances and public acceptance. The renewable energy sources (RES) theoretical potential in Bulgaria is considerable. It is evaluated to 14387 J/year for geothermal energy; 77156,7 J/year for solid agricultural waste; 478,4 J/year – biomass from paper waste; 9605,2 J/year –biomass from wood for heating; 79,8 J/year –biomass from natural fibers; 11381,83 J/year –liquid agricultural waste; 25766 GWh/year – big and small HPS; 1450-1500 kWh/m year – solar radiation. The geothermal and wind energy sector’s potential is considered the highest, while larger-scale utilisation of solar and biomass energy may also be attractive. The research in bioenergy and other RES in Bulgaria is carried out mainly in the following organisations in Bulgaria: National Centre of Agricultural Science (NCAS), University of Forestry Sofia, Agricultural University Plovdiv, University of Rousse, Trakia University – Stara Zagora, Technical University Sofia, Technical University Varna.