RECOMMENDATION FOR BULGARIA TO BE ADDED TO WIREC 2008

UNCLAS SOFIA 001202 SIPDIS SENSITIVE SIPDIS OES FOR WIREC ACTION GROUP LEADER STAN SPECT AND SPECIAL ASSISTANT CAMILLE HILL E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: ENRG SENV EAID SOCI TRGY PGOV BU SUBJECT: RECOMMENDATION FOR BULGARIA TO BE ADDED TO WIREC 2008 INVITATION LIST REF: SECSTATE 138428 ¶1. (U) Embassy Sofia strongly urges the inclusion of Bulgaria on the list of priority countries to be invited to the Washington International Renewable Energy Conference (WIREC 2008.) The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) has called Bulgaria a "model country" in the implementation of credit line schemes supporting renewable energy projects. U.S. company AES is developing a 120 MW wind project in Bulgaria, one of the largest wind projects in development in Southeast Europe. ¶2. (SBU) Located at a crossroads between Russia and Europe, Bulgaria is now at the center of numerous proposed, Russian-dominated, energy projects and pipelines (the Belene nuclear plant, the South Stream gas pipeline, and the Burgas-Alexandropolous oil pipeline). It is also part of the proposed, EU-backed Nabucco gas pipeline and the American investor-led AMBO oil pipeline projects, making Bulgaria a key decision-maker on Europe's future energy security. Renewable energy and technology to improve energy efficiency are the only answers to Bulgaria's dependence on energy imports from Russia. WIREC 2008 is exactly the type of venue we need to use to engage the Bulgarians on this issue and emphasize the strategic role renewables can play in securing a future for Bulgaria that is less dependent on Russian energy. This goal is a key part of our Mission Strategic Plan. ¶3. (SBU) According to the MFA, invitations to WIREC for Bulgaria's Official WIREC Ministerial Delegation should be sent to: Mr. Ivailo Kalfin, Minister of Foreign Affairs Mr. Petar Dimitrov, Minister of Economy and Energy Mr. Dzhevdet Chakarov, Minister of Environment and Water ¶4. (U) If additional background is needed for Bulgaria's inclusion in WIREC 2008, please contact post Economic Officer Kelly Adams-Smith, at adamssmithke@state.gov. BEYRLE