25.02.2026
On February 19–20, the sixth edition of the Winter School “Energy and Climate” took place. The event was organized by Utilities magazine and the Faculty of Economics and Business Administration at Sofia University “St. Kliment Ohridski”. The training was held at the Faculty’s building and was attended by more than 30 participants, including undergraduate and doctoral students, as well as young professionals from energy companies. They attended 14 lectures covering key aspects of energy sector development and climate challenges at both regional and global levels.
The event was supported by leading energy companies, institutional partners, and experienced lecturers. Thanks to this support, students and PhD candidates who had applied in advance by submitting a CV and motivation letter were able to participate free of charge. This gave young professionals the opportunity not only to attend lectures from various segments of the energy business, but also to meet in person, exchange experience, and build connections with leading representatives of the industry. At the end of the course, participants received certificates issued by the Center for Educational Services at the Faculty of Economics and Business Administration of Sofia University.
The program also included engaging discussions that deepened the knowledge of both participants and lecturers, who had the opportunity to meet colleagues and exchange professional experience.
The event sponsors were the National Electric Company (NEK) and OMV Petrom. Partners of the winter school included the Bulgarian Nuclear Regulatory Agency (BNRA), AES Bulgaria, Kozloduy NPP, the Electricity System Operator (ESO), EnergoService, M-Gas, CWP Global, and Vertis STX Group.
The event was opened by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Atanas Georgiev, Dean of the Faculty of Economics and Business Administration at Sofia University “St. Kliment Ohridski” and publisher of Utilities magazine. In his opening remarks, he outlined the Faculty’s role as a driving force in the education sector and as a link between academia and business. He invited participants to explore the Faculty’s master’s programs and the professional development opportunities they offer. Assoc. Prof. Georgiev also highlighted the role of Utilities magazine as a platform for sharing best practices, intentions, and knowledge in the fields of science, business, and innovation.
Lecturers at this year’s Winter School included:
• Assoc. Prof. Dr. Atanas Georgiev, Editor-in-Chief of Utilities;
• Boyan Rashev, Founder of MindYourFuture;
• Dr. Eng. Dilyana Koleva, “Kozloduy NPP – New Builds” EAD;
• Chief Assist. Prof. Dr. Eng. Ivaylo Naydenov, Faculty of Economics and Business Administration, Sofia University;
• Kalina Todorova, Head of Strategic Planning and Project Management Department at Hydroelectric Investment Enterprise, NEK EAD;
• Kaloyan Staykov, Chairman of the Board of the Energy Management Institute (EMI);
• Chief Assist. Prof. Dr. Mariya Trifonova, Net-Zero Lab, Faculty of Economics and Business Administration, Sofia University;
• Mariana Yaneva, Chief Operating Officer, International Power Supply (IPS);
• Martin Georgiev, Chief Operating Officer, Electrohold Trade EAD;
• Martin Slavov, Market Development Manager, EVN Bulgaria;
• Eng. Maya Karova, Development Project Director, Bulgaria – CWP;
• Nikolay Vangelov, Business Development Manager, Energy and Waste Sector, Veolia Bulgaria;
• Dr. Pavel Sheytanov, Corporate Trader, Vertis;
• Svetoslav Benchev, Chairman of the Board, Bulgarian Petroleum and Gas Association (BPGA);
• Eng. Stoyan Manolov, Manager of M-Gas.
The Faculty of Economics and Business Administration at Sofia University and Utilities magazine express their sincere gratitude to all sponsors, partners, lecturers, and participants for making the Sixth Winter School “Energy and Climate” possible.
For upcoming initiatives, please visit: https://events.utilities.bg/