site.btaUPDATED PM: Over BGN 2 Bln in European Funds Will Be Directed to Regions of Stara Zagora, Pernik, Kyustendil

The Ministry of Energy and the Ministry of Regional Development and Public Works published Wednesday the long-awaited plans for the territorial development of the regions of Stara Zagora, Pernik and Kyustendil. Long-awaited not only because it involves the investment of over BGN 2 billion of European funds, but also because it affects the fate of tens of thousands of people in Bulgaria, stated Prime Minister Nikolay Denkov before the start of Wednesday's parliamentary session.

In the coming weeks, these territorial plans will be discussed in the regions and with the social partners, so that all suggestions can be heard and where necessary supplemented and sent by the end of September to the European Commission for discussion. "By the end of the year, it is expected that they will be accepted after negotiations, so that we can settle the debts and start the investments," explained Denkov.

Denkov pointed out that these plans envisage a number of measures, not just related to the preservation of jobs, but for the development of the regions in a state-of-the-art technological and modern way. This means that the Ministry of Energy and Ministry of Regional Development in the coming years must work in very close cooperation with the Ministry of Economy and the Ministry of Innovation and Growth in order to be able to attract investors. The Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Labour and Social Policy will also be involved, so that people can be supported in their qualifications, and where necessary the education system should be adapted with vocational high schools and universities, so that they can be implemented in the best possible way, said the Prime Minister.

Denkov pointed out that the territorial plans envisage the development of modern technologies related to the production, distribution and use of green hydrogen, as well as the possibilities of energy production from new energy sources, which can be different and complement coal plants. The plans also provide opportunities for attracting investors from a completely new generation, production of batteries, new technologies, electrolyzers for hydrogen production, which currently do not exist in Bulgaria, said Denkov.

In a press release later in the day, the Energy Ministry gave details about the territorial plans. The main measures set out in the territorial just transition plans relate to several areas - land reclamation, support for the creation of a hydrogen value chain, support for cleantech industrial parks, support for photovoltaic parks, the use of green hydrogen, as well as the production and distribution of biomethane and wind turbine energy.

The establishment of a special company for the reclamation of lignite mining sites is envisaged. It will also prepare the infrastructure for new industrial activities.

The support for the establishment of a hydrogen value chain aims to attract major investors in the production of electrolysis systems, fuel cells, refuelling stations and other facilities, thereby providing alternative employment and ensuring energy transition in the affected regions.

Through the support foreseen in the territorial plans for cleantech industrial parks, a new park could be created in Maritsa East based on a consulted Master Plan for the development of the complex, while other parks could be developed near Stara Zagora.

The envisaged support for photovoltaic parks will create employment in the construction and maintenance of such parks. This measure complements the land reclamation activities, as it is foreseen that photovoltaic systems will be installed on reclaimed land as a priority.

Support for biomethane production based on organic residues is also envisaged in the plans - as a low-emission, job-creating alternative fuel. Such projects can also be implemented in the field of wind turbine energy production.