Trends in Energy efficiency and CO2 emissions according to Bulgarian National Energy Efficiency plan

Successful actions and the legislative measures introduced in Bulgaria and the whole EU related to improved energy efficiency can be assessed if the target of 32.5 % is reached. The pre-fixed percentage is hypothetical and is based on primary energy consumption, with a number of constraints in achieving the target. For a period of 20 years, the EU has saved 235 Mtoe Ultimate Energy. A very important fact is that improved energy efficiency helps to reduce the EU's dependence on energy imports. Approximately 75 % of the EU's greenhouse gas emissions are a result of the energy sector activity. Heating and cooling represent about 50 % of final energy consumption, transport is about 30 % and electricity is 20 %. At present, the energy sector in Bulgaria is making the biggest effort to decarburization by introducing renewable sources of energy. Energy consumption is expected to rise, but it will not lead to a decrease in demand for primary energy. Energy produced without harmful emissions has the potential to contribute to reducing emissions in other economic sectors. Electrification is expected to be a key factor in decarburization in other sectors. The removal of carbon dioxide (CO₂) from gas or air requires the introduction of new technologies that the EU should support in developing research and innovation in this scientific area.