Bulgarian membership of EU has led to an increased public understanding that taking action against climate change requires immediate investment, and there is real potential for the country to become a green energy centre, with hydro, biomass, wind, geothermal and solar energy all realistic and affordable prospects.
Key facts
- Surface area (square kms): 110,879 sq km
- Population: 7,204,687
- Population density (per square km): 68.9
- GDP: $93.75 billion
- CO2 emission estimates: 5.7tonnes/person/year
Energy production:
- Electricity (kW-hr; 2007) 43,392,000,000
- Hard coal (metric tons; 2005) 9,000
- Lignite (metric tons; 2007) 28,308,000
- Crude petroleum (barrels; 2005) 220,000
- Petroleum products (metric tons; 2005) 5,268,000
- Natural gas (cu m; 2007) 312,000,000
Energy consumption:
- Electricity (kW-hr; 2005): 36,781,000,000
- Hard coal (metric tons; 2005): 4,361,000
- Lignite (metric tons; 2005): 24,870,000
- Crude petroleum (barrels; 2005): 45,400,000
- Petroleum products (metric tons; 2005): 3,821,000
- Natural gas (cu m; 2005): 3,343,000,000
A view from the ground in Bulgaria
Stuart Peters from the British Embassy Sofia gives a view from the ground on the issues affecting Bulgaria in the lead up to Copenhagen
Joan Ruddock discusses the role of the EU in climate change negotiations
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