Glavbolgarstroy took part in a leadership debate held within the framework of the Partnership for Transatlantic Energy Cooperation (P-TEC), organized by the U.S. Department of Energy and the Washington-based Atlantic Council. The event was attended by U.S. Secretary of Energy Chris Wright, Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum, more than 80 senior representatives of the U.S. administration, energy ministers from Central and Eastern Europe, as well as executives from leading American and international energy and technology companies.
Following the challenges that have emerged in the European energy sector in recent years, EU Member States are making significant efforts to modernize and adapt existing energy infrastructure to ensure security and diversification of energy supplies. Strengthened partnership with the United States, particularly in the supply of additional liquefied natural gas (LNG), investments in energy infrastructure, and the potential of nuclear technologies, were among the key topics of discussion and the agreements reached during the past few days in Athens, Greece.
Initiatives such as the Vertical Gas Corridor play a crucial role in ensuring Europe’s energy security and enhancing the continent’s competitiveness by providing access to secure, reliable, and affordable energy — the main driver of economic growth. Reducing regulatory burdens and streamlining environmental procedures are essential for the implementation of critical projects that guarantee energy access and preserve industrial capacities across Europe. Closer cooperation between Europe and the United States in these areas will benefit nations on both sides of the Atlantic.
Emphasizing the growing need for additional energy resources and technological innovation, U.S. Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum stated:
“We are not talking about an energy transition, but an energy expansion! We need more. We should not restrict energy sources but add new capacities and capabilities. We are all working together to ensure affordable, secure, and reliable energy.” He added: “Today, more than eight million people around the world still lack access to electricity and cannot heat their homes. This is why projects like the Vertical Gas Corridor are vital — to strengthen regional connectivity and ensure stable energy supplies and security in Southeast Europe.”
For his part, U.S. Secretary of Energy Chris Wright emphasized that “the world runs on oil, gas, and other energy sources — and this will remain the case for the foreseeable future.” He noted that affordability is essential and expands opportunity, adding that the U.S. has abundant natural gas and is eager to cooperate with Europe on energy delivery infrastructure. Wright also linked energy security to broader trends in innovation (such as artificial intelligence) and global competitiveness, noting that stable and affordable energy is the foundation of industrial strength and technological progress.
During the strategic debate on energy resources and artificial intelligence development, Kalin Peshov, Chairman of the Management Board of Glavbolgarstroy, highlighted the need to develop new energy capacities and infrastructure to meet the growing energy demand driven by the rapid expansion of artificial intelligence. He stated that the company has long been working in this direction, including developing small modular reactor (SMR) potential. According to Peshov, the construction of such new nuclear facilities, combined with data centers and AI factories, would give the region a competitive advantage and foster industrial and business development. He also emphasized that insufficient infrastructure remains one of the key challenges.
“What we heard today from Secretaries Burgum and Wright — a call for more energy resources, technological progress, and cooperation in the name of affordable, secure, and reliable energy — is a strong signal for the direction in which the energy sector must develop,” said Kalin Peshov.
He further added that improved connectivity and network development are essential for unlocking the full potential of artificial intelligence. According to him, the rapid pace of infrastructure modernization provides an opportunity to stimulate technological innovation and promote its wide-scale application across industries.
