Glavbolgarstroy participated in the 10th anniversary edition of the Atlantic Council Global Energy Forum in Washington, D.C. — one of the most prominent annual international energy gatherings in the United States. The event brought together representatives of government administrations from the United States, Europe, Africa, and the Middle East, as well as leading global technology and energy companies, including ExxonMobil, GE Vernova, Chevron, Baker Hughes, Cheniere Energy, and others.

The two-day forum was officially opened by U.S. Secretary of Energy Chris Wright, who emphasized that energy remains the foundation of every economy and a key driver of industrial development, technological advancement, and quality of life. According to Wright, a nation’s ability to provide reliable and affordable energy determines its capacity for growth and the creation of new opportunities. He also highlighted the growing role of natural gas in the global energy mix, noting that expanding energy supplies is essential for economic development and improving living standards worldwide.

A central theme of the conference was the geopolitical uncertainty surrounding energy dynamics in the Middle East, including its impact on fuel markets and energy security, as well as the need for diversification and the development of new infrastructure corridors amid strengthening transatlantic cooperation.

Among the participants was Egypt’s Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources, Karim Badawi, who stated that the conflict in the Middle East has accelerated several measures within the country’s energy strategy, including increasing production from existing fields, strengthening regional cooperation, and diversifying the energy mix. During the forum, he discussed opportunities for expanding sectoral cooperation and investment with Sheikh Nawaf Al-Sabah, Deputy Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Kuwait Petroleum Corporation (KPC).

Stavros Papastavrou, Greece’s Minister of Environment and Energy, argued that energy security in Southeast Europe can no longer be viewed solely through the lens of supply, but rather as a function of diversification, infrastructure connectivity, and strategic investment. In his view, the geopolitical disruptions of recent years have accelerated the need for Europe to build a more secure and resilient energy system.

During a leadership discussion, representatives of major global energy companies examined the future of energy security, with particular emphasis on the role of investment and technological innovation in accelerating energy development and strengthening the resilience of the sector.

In a strategic debate, Kalin Peshov, Chairman of the Management Board of GBS (Glavbolgarstroy), highlighted the importance of infrastructure investment, technological solutions, and regional cooperation in enhancing energy security across Southeast Europe.

“What we have heard here from Secretary of Energy Chris Wright—that natural gas has been the fastest-growing source of energy worldwide over the past 16 to 17 years—clearly underscores the importance of both natural gas and nuclear energy as primary energy sources for the decades ahead,” Peshov stated.

In this context, the Chairman of the Management Board of the Bulgarian construction group emphasized the role of the private sector as a key driver in the delivery of complex infrastructure projects, noting that it contributes engineering expertise, organizational capacity, and operational efficiency. According to Peshov, public-private partnerships enable the faster and more predictable implementation of strategic energy projects, particularly in an environment of budgetary constraints.

Main photo (left to right): Ambassador Richard L. Morningstar, Founding Chairman and Chairman Emeritus of the Atlantic Council Global Energy Center; Kalin Peshov, Chairman of the Management Board, GBS (Glavbolgarstroy Holding); George-Sergiu Niculescu, President of the Romanian Energy Regulatory Authority (ANRE); and Karl Jensen, Executive Vice President, AECOM.