Council of Ministers to Approve Bulgaria’s Position on Renegotiation of Pa
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Next week, the Council of Ministers will approve Bulgaria’s position on the request to renegotiate the parameters related to the functioning of coal plants, which were decided by the Parliament, and the changes will be proposed to the European Commission, after which the negotiations will begin, said Energy Minister Rossen Hristov to BNR.
Regarding the coal-fired power plants, Hristov commented that it is important not to make political commitments for their premature closure, to have time to develop the regions and alternative sources, so as to simultaneously ensure energy security and the employment of those working there, which cannot happen in a year or two. The funds under the Recovery and Resilience Plan and those for the territorial plans for a just transition will be absorbed, the Minister said.
He explained that if the stabilization of electricity prices continues, a level may be reached where no compensation is needed for businesses. The compensation programme is necessary because it gave the businesses the opportunity to get back on their feet, but it did not achieve anything in terms of stabilization of inflation and a direct effect on the final consumer, as well as in terms of achieving energy independence. Companies do not invest enough in renewable energy for their own needs, in energy efficiency, in technology and approaches to reduce peak consumption, commented Hristov. The Minister’s view is that the program should continue, but now in a more targeted manner and with commitments from business precisely to achieve these goals as a condition for receiving the compensation. Aworking group was created to discuss, including with industry associations, the possibilities of implementing a more structured programme.
Regarding natural gas, Hristov commented that Europe has largely managed to re-adjust the flow of supplies and gain stability. Bulgaria is even further ahead than Europe, considering the contract with Turkey and the terminal in Greece, the country has secured the necessary infrastructure for the supply of liquefied gas. Th4 Ministry is also working on long-term contracts with manufacturers and suppliers from Europe and the USA to ensure the energy stability of the entire region, explained Hristov.
“The more gas we trade and transit, the more energy security we have. We are already a leader in the production of electricity, we are also becoming a key factor in the trade and transmission of gas,” said the Minister.
Hristov also commented Bulgaria still depends on Russia for a number of parts and equipment for its nuclear power plant, in response to a question about the derogation approved by the Council of Ministers, from the EU sanctions which prohibit the import of certain parts, materials and services in connection with the war in Ukraine.
In order to overcome this dependence and the risks associated with it, in the long term Bulgaria is looking for alternative suppliers who can supply similar equipment and parts, which is not very easy, because even if someone can produce them, they must have a license, which would allow their use in a nuclear power plant, Hristov pointed out.
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