site.btaGreenpeace Bulgaria is Against Derogation for Coal-Fired Power Plants

Greenpeace Bulgaria is Against Derogation for Coal-Fired Power Plants

Sofia, July 7 (BTA) - Two environmental organizations, For the Earth and Greenpeace Bulgaria, demand a clear-cut plan and strategy for the closure of unprofitable and polluting coal-fired power plants in a statement received by BTA.

According to Greenpeace, any derogation from EU rules for coal-fired power plants will put off the reform in the energy sector. The environmental organization recalls that in the last week representatives of several ministries, MPs and trade union members again raised the subject of requesting derogation.

The new rules have already been adopted and will become effective in 2021. Unwanted panic among the public and the position that derogation from the rules is the only hope turns attention away from the fact that coal does not have a future, the organization says.

Both associations state they are against derogation for outdated and polluting thermal power plants because one such exception will not aim to find a painless and fair approach to their "retirement" but will extend their harmful existence for economic benefit.

For years on end, Bulgaria has not had a clear-cut plan and strategy for the gradual closure of the financially unprofitable and polluting plants. No efforts are made in the direction of alternative employment of the people who work in these plants and coal mines, the experts say.

In their opinion, new standards to measure major combustion installation pollution are an opportunity for the coal industry to remain another seven to 15 years on the market and complete its life-cycle by planning its gradual withdrawal and the introduction of programmes to compensate for the loss of jobs.