Bulgaria

Index rank 38

Energy Sustainability Index Rankings

 2010  2011  2012  Trend
Energy Performance  49  40  36 
Energy Security  53  25  40 
Social Equity  63  60  59 
Environmental Impact Mitigation  37  43  28 
       
Contextual Performance  52  45  48 
Political Strength  44  40  42 
Societal Strength  46  46  47 
Economic Strength  63  49  56 
       
Overall Rank  51  40  38 
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Fossil Fuel Resources

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Key Metrics

Industrial sector (% of GDP) 30.6
TPEP / TPEC  (net energy importer) 0.52
Emission intensity (kg CO2 per USD) 3.07
Energy affordability (USD per kWh) n.a.
GDP / capita (PPP, USD); GDP Group 12,965 (C)
Energy intensity (million BTU per USD) 0.05
CO2 emissions (metric tons) / capita) 5.92
Population Access to Electricity (%) 100.0
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Index Commentary

Bulgaria improves its position in the Index by two spots to rank 38. This positive development is mostly due to a stronger environmental performance driven by improvements across almost all indicators; despite an absolute decrease in quality of air and water Bulgaria still performs better than its peer countries in this indicator. Energy security overall deteriorates due to a decrease in the wholesale margin on gasoline, which could not be offset by a decrease in the countries energy consumption growth. Performance in all contextual dimensions deteriorates. Economic strength decreases mostly due to less credit availability and slower improvements in macroeconomic stability compared to peer countries.

Trends and Outlook

In July 2012 the Bulgarian Parliament amended the existing Energy Act, now guaranteeing equal access to electricity and gas grids, strengthening the power of national energy regulators and improving market transparency, promoting trans-border trade and enhancing end-user rights. The new legal framework is expected to improve the sustainable use of renewable energy sources, market liberalisation and social equity. Key issues policymakers need to focus on are: 1) improve energy security by building a reliable energy infrastructure, further diversifying sources and routes of energy supply, and optimising the use of indigenous energy resources; 2) increase energy efficiency; 3) promote clean development mechanisms; 4) social protection; and 5) pursue the ambitious targets of giving 30% of households access to natural gas by 2020 as set out in the national energy strategy.

Notes

1) Data for shale oil is for resources in place