Minister Petkova and US Department of Energy representatives discussed the operation of coal-fired power plants in Bulgaria

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Within the framework of the high level Strategic Dialogue – a forum for consultation and cooperation on global, regional and bilateral issues of mutual interest for the Republic of Bulgaria and the United States of America, Minister Temenuzhka Petkova has met with representatives of the US Department of Energy. The meeting was attended by H. E. Ambassador Herro Mustafa, Lou Hrkman, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Clean Coal and Carbon Management of the Department of Energy, Angelos Kokkinos, Department of Energy, Dr. James Adams, of the US State Department.

The possibility of co-operation with regard to maintaining the capacity of coal-fired power plants in Bulgaria by using the experience and technologies in the USA was discussed. According to Minister Petkova, coal-fired power plants provide over 46 per cent of the electricity generation for the country. In recent years they have made significant expenses for paying emission allowances, which affects the price of electricity they produce. It was noted that state-owned power plant Maritsa East 2 had invested over 1.2 billion BGN in treatment facilities.

The US Department of Energy presented information on research and development of coal-based energy systems and carbon capture and storage. Both sides agreed on the possibility of co-operation in order to preserve the operation of thermal power plants in Bulgaria.

 

 

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