site.btaParliament Passes Bill on Renewable Energy in Maritime Spaces on First Reading

A draft law on renewable energy in the maritime spaces, submitted GERB-UDF, Continue the Change - Democratic Bulgaria (CC-DB) and the Movement for Rights and Freedoms, was adopted on first reading in Parliament on Thursday with 112 votes in favour, 53 against and three abstentions. Some of the texts were the subject of disputes between the sponsors and members of the opposition, who accused the sponsors of trying to destroy Bulgarian tourism and lobbying. The deadline for proposals between the two readings is 28 days, the National Assembly voted.

The bill's objectives include promoting efficient use of natural resources for electricity production, as well as creating conditions for this electricity to be included in the country's transmission grid.

The Minister of Energy is intended to conduct state policy in the planning, construction and operation of offshore wind power plants.

The proposed bill also aims to introduce the European Wind Power Action Plan, which should significantly accelerate investment in new wind power capacity both onshore and offshore by 2030.

Borislav Gutsanov of the Socialist Party described the bill as monstrous and capable of destroying the Bulgarian sea tourism. "Could you sit on the beach, while having a windmill spin in your view?" he asked in Parliament.

One of the bill's co-sponsors, Delyan Dobrev of GERB-UDF, promised that between the two readings proposals will be made regarding the areas and the distance from the coast where these facilities should be erected.

Another co-sponsor, Ivaylo Mirchev of CC-DB, was positive that the wind turbines would have no impact on tourism, shipping or fishing. He added that a round table will be held with the interested parties on February 6 to address these concerns.

GERB-UDF MP Luben Dilov expressed concern, saying that there is hardly an MP born in a sea town, who would support the bill in its current form. Dilov labelled the bill "very imperfect" and shared hope that experts will get involved with improving the text before the second reading.