Bulgaria must either close 50% of coal-fired power plants by 2026 or modernize them.

This was explained by Energy Minister Rosen Hristov

Rosen Hristov has a master's degree in international economic relations from the University of California, whom the deputies are listening to in the energy committee in the parliament.

When asked by GERB whether there will be a risk for the energy security of the country, the official minister pointed out: A large part of the talks with the EC are related to decarbonization and more precisely - for the year 2026.

The Commission steadfastly refuses to negotiate these targets, both as a base year and as percentages. 

TPP "Maritsa" 3 continues to be closed

The commission has given two options - either the plants work on a seasonal basis or they are closed.

Bulgaria has focused on developing technical projects, CO2 capture technology, combustion process and acceleration of energy sources.

"There are two challenges, the projects are technically complex and financially engaging. The deadline is too short. Otherwise, we would have to close half of the capacities," added Hristov, BNT reports.

He also commented that until now nothing has been done on the issue, since Bulgaria has set the goals for closing the thermal power plants.

Rosen Hristov

TPP