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From Bulgaria

06.12.2017 10:52

The analysis on the possibility of a derogation for coal power plants is expected in January

AUTHOR: publics.bg

AES Bulgaria reported the company’s activities in 2017 and its plans for 2018.
© AES Bulgaria

The analysis which would show whether coal power plants would be able to apply for a derogation from the new ecological rules (as set out in the document for best available techniques for large combustion plants), CEO of AES Bulgaria Ivan Tzankov announced.

The analysis was assigned jointly by TPP AES Galabovo, TPP ContourGlobal Maritsa East 3, TPP Maritsa East 2 and TPP Brikel to Amec Foster Wheeler Environment and Infrastructure UK LTD. It will include a cost-benefit analysis which would compare benefits to society with required investment for compliance with the new ecological rules. A derogation could be granted if the analysis shows that the compliance costs are significantly higher than the benefits for the environment.

Ivan Tzankov explained that they are working with companies experienced in measuring mercury and that mercury emission have not been measured so far so there is no measurement data. This is one of the reasons TPPs asked the Ministry of Environment and Water (MOEW) for an extension of the deadline for submitting applications for a derogation. Tzankov said that they have not received an answer, but power plants are hoping that they would get the extension. The current 6-month deadline started on 17 August.

On another note, nothing is happening in relation to the full market liberalisation and the contracts for difference (CFDs). It is all about discussions with the government on the mechanism for entering the free market, said the CEO of AES Bulgaria. He said that the last communication on this matter was in June, when World Bank experts presented their model for full market liberalisation. AES Bulgaria President Olivier Marquette added that the company supports government’s effort to fully liberalise the electricity market. He announced that they company is ready to adapt to a fully free market.

As for AES Buglaria’s activities Ivan Tzankov stated that 2017 was a successful year. TPP AES Galabovo produced 2.5 TWh until the end of October, which is an increase of 7% on an annual basis. The plant’s working capacity is almost 99% and there have been no major incidents related to safety, he underlined. Production from Saint Nikola Wind Farm near Kavarna reached almost 283 GWh as the reduction in CO2 emissions are 220 thousand tonnes. In his words coal reserves of the power plant as of today are around 400 thousand tonnes with regulatory requirement of 280 thousand tonnes, which is sufficient to ensure 15-day production with full use of the plant.

When asked to comment on a new nuclear power plant opposing TPPs, Olivier Marquette said that AES could not comment on the issue since it is not part of the company’s business. He underlined that Bulgaria is highly reliant on coal power plants (as it was evident last winter) and that they play a crucial role in the stability of the electricity system and renewables development. He expressed the belief that they will continue to play an important role in the following 5-10 years. He reminded that decision on the deployment of new capacities should be based on the basic principles of guaranteeing security of supply, compliance with environmental standards and affordable electricity prices for Bulgarian citizens.