Deputy Minister Nenov: A clear vision for the future of coal regions in Bulgaria

In the framework of an expert discussion dedicated to the green transformation and the future of coal in Bulgaria, the Deputy Minister of Energy Krasimir Nenov expressed moderate optimism regarding the prospects for the coal regions in the country. According to him, we now have a clearer vision for their development, based on an in-depth analysis reflected in the updated Integrated Energy and Climate Plan.

Nenov emphasized the key role of coal-fired power generation for Bulgaria's energy security, which necessitates the need to restructure the work in this area, so that the viability of the mines and power plants working with this raw material is preserved during the transition period. "Coal is an important local resource that has proven its significant role for energy security and independence in a time of crisis," the Deputy Minister emphasized.

According to Nenov, the challenges related to sustainable development require the extraction to be focused on the most promising areas, while the work on the remaining areas should be focused on their restoration and preparation for new economic activities. In this direction, the developed territorial plans for the three coal regions provide prospects for development and offer various opportunities and measures for socio-economic transformation.

Deputy Minister Nenov also highlighted the partnership of the Ministry of Energy with international financial institutions in search of opportunities to finance new projects that will support the decarbonization and economic diversification of the coal regions.