site.btaTwo Parliamentary Committees Adopt Updated Climate Neutrality Roadmap

The parliamentary energy committee and the environment committee on Wednesday adopted at a joint meeting a draft decision to support the updated Roadmap for Climate Neutrality, submitted by Delyan Dobrev from GERB-UDF and a group of MPs, proposed by the Council of Ministers. 

The energy committee adopted the updated draft with 17 votes in favor and 6 against, and the environment committee with 12 in favor and 5 against. The roadmap sets deadlines for the targeted measures and policies, as well as key stages of the development of the electricity sector, taking into account the development of other key sectors of the economy.

The updated roadmap envisages by 2026 to implement policies for full liberalization and introduction of long-term contracts for RES. Promotion of renewable energy communities and generation by producing electricity consumers is foreseen. By then, new renewable energy capacity of 3,500 megawatts (MW) is expected to be introduced, bringing renewables to 5,200 MW, as well as storage systems (batteries) of 1,000 MW.

The updated roadmap foresees the implementation of energy efficiency and decentralized electricity production measures by 2030, including through financial support. Mine reclamation measures must also be implemented. By 2030, 7,500 MW of renewable energy capacity should be installed, as well as offshore wind power plants (wind farms). Some 1,600 MW of batteries are planned. Of coal facilities, the document recalls that the Council of Ministers has committed not to restrict the operation of coal plants if they operate on a market principle in accordance with European and national legislation and with the decision of the National Assembly of October 4, 2023.

The cut-off date for phasing out coal is December 31, 2038.

Iskra Mihaylova from Vazrazhdane said that the parliamentary group could not support a road map that "has literally restored everything against which energy workers have protested".

Dragomir Stoynev from  BSP for Bulgaria parliamentary group said that the proposed option envisages the use of offshore wind parks. He stressed that his group are adamant about a complete revision of the Green Deal and cannot support this proposal. 

The chairman of the parliamentary energy committee Delyan Dobrev pointed out that with regard to the future of coal plants, it is the laws in Bulgaria that determine the policies in the country.