The Bulgarian Energy Security Association said it was concerned about the future of the energy sector in Bulgaria, the high electricity tariffs and the electricity deficit. On this occasion, Dimitar Doychev, who is a representative of the Association, said that they have created the online petition „Postponement of the abandonment of coal until 2049 and preparation of a realistic plan for transition to renewable energy“, which anyone, regardless of their location, can sign.
„In 2021, miners and their families collected signatures to preserve „Maritza Iztok“ Complex. In September this year, the same miners protested when the government announced a phase-out of coal by 2030. A vote of no confidence was later raised over the Energy sector. However, the government does not listen to its citizens and conforms to the EU, ignoring reality. The reality is that with the closure of coal-fired power plants, we risk being left without electricity and being forced to buy it from other countries,“, Doychev said in a letter distributed to the media.
He believes that the transition to renewable energy sources is inevitable. He added: „For Bulgaria, where coal reserves are only sufficient for 50-60 years, this is an excellent alternative. However, it is necessary to first launch new green capacities and then to close thermal power plants. Not the opposite. The government is committed to closing thermal power plants in exchange for funds from the European Development Fund, but offers no alternatives.“
The purpose of the Association is to inform the public that the current energy policy is destructive. This is no longer just about job losses for miners. This is not about politicians and oppositionists trying to stage a coup. This affects every consumer of electricity, the Association added.
