Bulgaria’s Maritsa East mines and power plant to operate until 2038

Bulgaria’s Maritsa East mines and the Maritsa East 2 thermal power plant will continue operating until 2038, state authorities said.

The issue was discussed during a recent visit to Brussels by Prime Minister Rumen Radev, reporter Tsvetelina Stoyanova said.

“Maritsa East Mines and Maritsa East 2 TPP will remain operational until 2038, but we managed to convince the European Commission of the viability of the energy reforms we proposed, so that we can both protect the interests of our miners and ensure a smooth process of reclamation and transformation,” Radev said.

Under the Just Transition Plan, another EU financial mechanism, Bulgaria is also expected to receive significant funding, he added.

Radev is due to meet the mayors of the country’s three coal-producing regions — Stara Zagora, Pernik and Kyustendil.

Editor: Miglena Ivanova