Renewables

Bulgaria earmarks EUR 1.15 billion for just transition of coal regions

Bulgaria earmarks EUR 1 15 billion just transition coal regions

Photo: Council of Ministers

Published

August 10, 2023

Country

Comments

comments icon

0

Share

Published:

August 10, 2023

Country:

Comments:

comments icon

0

Share

The three regions most affected by the energy transition in Bulgaria will be able to draw EUR 1.15 billion in total for the transformation of their coal-dependent economies toward renewable sources and innovative technologies. The European Commission must approve the territorial just transition plans for Stara Zagora, Pernik and Kyustendil for them to access the funds.

Prime Minister Nikolay Denkov said Bulgaria needs to make the best use of European investments and combine them with private ones so that its coal regions become the heart of the country’s economy. The Ministry of Energy and the Ministry of Regional Development and Public Works have submitted the three so-called territorial just transition plans for public debate.

The government earmarked EUR 1.15 billion for the areas most affected by the energy transition – Stara Zagora, Pernik and Kyustendil. The planned measures aren’t meant only to preserve tens of thousands of jobs but also to introduce top-of-the-line technologies and help the economic development of the coal regions, Denkov stressed.

Requalification, education are among pillars of just transition plans

The public discussion process lasts until September 15, after which the documents can be amended if necessary and sent to the European Commission for negotiations. The European Union’s executive body is expected to adopt the three plans by the end of the year, according to the prime minister.

Other ministries should join the effort and enable requalification and training and adjust school curricula, among other things, Denkov pointed out.

A major part of the planned investments are for a green hydrogen value chain

Timely work on the development of new economic activities is key to a successful energy transition, the Ministry of Energy said. The territorial just transition plans envisage an entire green hydrogen value chain. It would be produced using energy from the wind and solar power projects under development, to be distributed for industrial applications, transportation and energy storage.

Maritsa East coal complex to become zero emission industrial park

Bulgaria revealed that it would establish industrial parks with zero greenhouse gas emissions, of which one would replace the Maritsa East (Maritsa iztok) coal mining and thermal power plant complex. The funds are also intended for the production and supply of biomethane. In addition, energy efficiency measures and renewable energy investments are being prepared with a focus on tackling energy poverty, the documentation shows.

A company is set to be established to manage and upgrade land in the coal regions and prepare infrastructure for new industrial activities. The government said local just transition commissions would ensure a bottom-up approach and the fullest consideration of the interests of the communities in the areas of Stara Zagora, Pernik and Kyustendil.

Comments (0)

Be the first one to comment on this article.

Enter Your Comment
Please wait... Please fill in the required fields. There seems to be an error, please refresh the page and try again. Your comment has been sent.

Related Articles

Petrol obtains financing EV charging network Slovenia Croatia

Petrol obtains financing for EV charging network in Slovenia, Croatia

15 July 2024 - Slovenia-based Petrol is about to install electric vehicle charging points in 35 locations in its home market and in Croatia.

Green for Growth Fund financial impact targets 2023

Green for Growth Fund tops its financial, impact targets in 2023

15 July 2024 - The Green for Growth Fund kept mitigating climate change and promoting sustainable economic growth last year in its 18 markets

Energy permit not needed for power plants under 1 MW in BiH

15 July 2024 - The Ministry of Energy, Mining and Industry has adopted the rulebook on issuing energy permits and it entered into force on July 6

koncar croatia siemens energy

Končar, Siemens Energy launch new joint venture

15 July 2024 - Croatia’s firm Končar and Siemens Energy have signed a joint venture agreement on the establishment of the Končar - Transformer Tanks