The transition to natural gas, biomass, processed waste or solid recovered fuel, malten salts - these are some of the options considered for the power capacities in Bulgaria of AES Corporation, whose assets in this country include the AES Galaborovo thermal power plant. These options should be reduced to two, perhaps three, and a decision should be taken in the next 18 months, AES Corporation Executive Vice President Juan Ignacio Rubiolo said at the Bulgarian pavilion within the COP28 climate conference here on Sunday.
He expressed the hope that together with the Bulgarian authorities, a soltion will be found to continue ensuring a reliable energy system, he added.
Environment and Water Minister Yulian Popov said that the Maritsa East coal region has characteristics that could make it a champion in green transition. This is a huge massif of consolidated land that cannot be used for agriculture or other activities and can produce more sustainable electricity than any coal region. This is a gold mine also because of the highly qualified workers with technical professions who are ideal for the energy transition, the Minister argued.
Rumyana Grozeva, Executive Directore of the Regional Economic Development Agency of Stara Zagora (Southeastern Bulgaria), presented projects being developed for the region's future, including a hydrogen valley and a digital hub through the attraction of technology companies. She put an emphasis on good communication with the local residents and authorities, so that they can be informed about these opportunities. "When it comes to requalification, this is very alarming to people and we must assure them that an investment is being made in their future," she added.
Minister Popov noted that when it comes to just transition, politicians too should change their way of thinking and speaking.
/DS/
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