site.btaExperts from Three Ministries Defend Bulgaria's Coal Plants in Brussels

Experts from Three Ministries Defend Bulgaria's Coal Plants in Brussels

Sofia, April 20 (BTA) - Experts from the energy, environment and economy ministries have discussed in Brussels the serious consequences for Bulgaria that could stem from the planned changes to the European Commission's Best Available Techniques Reference Document for Large Combustion Plants, the Energy Ministry reported Thursday. The document concerns power plants with an input exceeding 50 MW, while the proposed changes imply greater restrictions on greenhouse emissions released by thermal power plants.

The document is to be put to the vote at the end of April by a special commission established under the EU's Industrial Emissions Directive. The changes will affect the whole energy sector in Bulgaria, the mining sector and related industries. From an exporter of electricity, Bulgaria risks becoming an importer from neighbouring countries that are not in the EU and do not have to comply with the new environmental requirements, the press release said.

Around 12,000 people are directly employed in coal mining and electricity production, while their number combined with those working in related industries adds up to around 150,000. Suspending the work of thermal power plants (TTPs) will lead to the loss of thousands of jobs, the need for additional social spending in the country, and losses for the budget from direct and indirect taxes. According to the Economy Ministry's estimates, these losses add up to over 612 million leva each year. In order to invest in accordance with the new requirements, the largest coal-powered TPP in Bulgaria - Maritsa East 2 - will have to increase the price of electricity by 27 per cent, the Ministry said.

Bulgaria insists on having the emission targets for mercury, nitrogen oxides and sulfur dioxide changed, or different values introduced, which will be applicable to this country.

The experts from the EC's three relevant directorates will send additional questions to Bulgaria. A number of discussions in various formats were organized in recent months, which aimed to consolidate and present a single national position on the future changes. This position has been presented to EC President Jean-Claude Juncker, as well as to EU Commissioner for Climate Action and Energy, Miguel Arias Canete, and EU Commissioner for Environment Karmenu Vella, the Ministry said.