The local administration of Burgas is launching a large-scale environmental initiative aimed at transforming heating systems in the municipality. The third consecutive project, code-named "For Cleaner Air!", is being implemented under the Environment Program 2021-2027 and receives substantial financial support from the European Regional Development Fund.
The project's leading experts, including Deputy Mayor Stanimir Apostolov and coordinator Velichka Velikova, presented the details of the large-scale environmental strategy during a specially organized information day. The main goal of the initiative is to drastically reduce fine particulate matter (PM10) generated by domestic heating with solid fuels.
The project covers numerous urban neighborhoods and constituent settlements, including "Dolno Ezerovo", "Lozovo", "Meden Rudnik", "Slaveykov", "Izgrev" and "Zornitsa", as well as the villages of Bulgarovo, Ravnets, Marinka and others. The total target group includes 4,257 households with a population of nearly 207,000 people.
Key mechanisms for achieving the goals include introducing innovative local strategies to limit air pollution, building additional administrative capacity, and increasing public awareness.
The financial scheme provides subsidies for alternative heating devices, with the following being eligible for support:
• Air-to-air heat pumps
• Air-to-water heat pumps
• Pellet devices
• Photovoltaic systems for own consumption
Special attention is given to energy-poor households, who receive additional preferences when applying for heating system replacement.
The information and communication campaign aims not only for technical modernization but also for changing the behavioral patterns of the local population regarding ecological heating.
The expected results are related to a significant improvement in air quality, reduction of harmful emissions, and creating a healthier urban environment for the residents of Burgas.