The Bulgarian Ministry of Transport is preparing to purchase 20 passenger trains that run on biodiesel, with a tender expected to be announced in the coming days, reports Biofuels International.
Transport Minister Nikolay Karadjov said the move toward biodiesel is a practical step to meet stricter environmental standards and an important part of Bulgaria’s plan to move toward cleaner, low-emission transport.
“All fuel distributors are already required to provide a percentage of biofuel at filling stations,” Karadjov said. “From now on, there’s almost no excuse not to offer biodiesel at every petrol station.”
He explained that the supply of biodiesel will depend on demand but expects it to grow more accessible and affordable as more heavy-duty vehicles, buses, and trains begin using it.
When asked about the cost, Karadjov told the Bulgarian News Agency (BTA) that biodiesel is priced similarly to regular diesel. He admitted that switching to sustainable fuels in aviation could be more expensive, due to stricter processing requirements for aircraft fuel.
For standard transport, however, Karadjov said the transition to biodiesel is simple. “Engines work the same whether they use biodiesel or conventional diesel,” he noted, highlighting that no major changes in performance are expected.
While the European Union continues to focus on electric transport, Karadjov said there are signs of a shift in strategy. During the recent Transport Council meeting in Luxembourg, the European Commission pledged to present a new plan to guide countries through the transition period before full electrification.
Karadjov added that the plan should recognize biodiesel as a major innovation and a useful option as Europe works toward cleaner transportation systems.
