23.06.2025
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Atanas Georgiev, Dean of the Faculty of Economics and Business Administration at Sofia University “St. Kliment Ohridski”, took part in the “Capital Green” podcast hosted by Rumyana Gocheva. He spoke about the dynamic developments in the energy sector and emphasized the need for a strategic approach to workforce training amid the green transition.
The Dean shared details about new research activities at Sofia University, including the launch of the Net-Zero Lab initiative and participation in international projects such as TWIN4ECO, Twin2Green, and others. He also highlighted the Faculty's new master’s programs, along with the pressing need to simplify procedures for admitting international students and recognizing foreign diplomas in Bulgaria.
Assoc. Prof. Georgiev commented on the expected liberalization of the wholesale electricity market starting July 1, as well as the ongoing postponement of opening the market to household consumers. The interview also covered the RESTORE mechanism, through which Bulgaria is expected to integrate over 10,000 MW of battery storage within just 7–8 months, the temporary delay of ESG regulations at the European level, and the tariffs imposed by the U.S. on European industries—including the energy sector. He offered his academic perspective on these developments and raised concerns about the risk of a workforce shortage in Bulgaria’s energy sector.
He also shared the positive experience of the Faculty of Economics and Business Administration in training specialists who are well-adapted to the demands of the energy transition. Finally, he discussed the technological future of battery systems, Bulgaria’s potential to become a regional energy storage hub, and the ongoing global uncertainty affecting the future of the European Green Deal.