Prime Minister Rumen Radev announced that the Maritsa-Iztok Mine complex and the state-owned Maritsa-Iztok 2 thermal power plant will continue operating until 2038, providing a 12-year horizon for Bulgaria’s coal sector as the country navigates the transition toward cleaner energy sources.
Speaking after discussions in Brussels, Radev said the future of coal-fired power generation and the protection of workers in the sector were among the key issues raised with European institutions. According to him, Bulgaria succeeded in convincing the European Commission to support the energy reforms proposed by the government.
“Maritsa-Iztok Mine and Maritsa-Iztok 2 TPP will remain in operation until 2038, but we managed to convince the Commission of the appropriateness of the energy reforms we are proposing, so that the interests of our miners are protected and a smooth process of reclamation and transformation is guaranteed,” Radev stated.
The prime minister emphasized that the extended operating period would allow for a gradual transition in the coal regions rather than a sudden shutdown of facilities. He also indicated that discussions would continue with local authorities from the areas most affected by the shift away from coal. A meeting is planned with the mayors of Stara Zagora, Pernik, and Kyustendil, the three regions most closely tied to Bulgaria’s coal industry.
