The transformation of TPP “Bobov Dol” and “Toplofikacia Pernik” is underway. These are the two large enterprises from the Southwest Coal Region. As a platform we have a specific vision and projects for a smooth and fair energy transition. production of green hydrogen mixed with biogas and natural gas to ensure the current electricity generation regime until 2030 and switching only to hydrogen and RES after 2030. “
This was stated by Kristina Lazarova, co-founder and representative of the platform “Brown to Green” for the transition to a low-carbon economy during the international conference “Green Deal – Innovation, Investment and Fair Transition”organized by Dir.bg and 3eNews.
For the second year in a row, the Green Transition event focuses the green discussion on how Bulgaria can successfully become part of the processes of transformation, sustainable development and decarbonisation – a goal important not only for Europe but also for the world if we want to protect our planet.
At the beginning of her speech, Kristina Lazarova briefly presented the “Brown to Green” Platform. She shared that her main goal is the energy transformation of the two large enterprises from the Southwest Coal Region – TPP “Bobov Dol” and “Toplofikacia Pernik”. “In the last two years, a concrete project has been prepared for these two companies, to reduce their capacity, as well as to eliminate coal as the main fuel for electricity production,” Lazarova said.
During the conference the expert presented the specific vision and summarized the current and upcoming development of the two companies. She presented to the international and Bulgarian audience the new integrated 10 year Life project of the “Brown to green” platform for capacity building and implementation of integrated solutions and a new project of the municipalities of Pernik and Bobov Dol to upgrade existing capacity in the field of climate policy and justice. transition
The co-founder of the Platform stated that TPP Bobov Dol has already signed a contract with Bulgartransgaz for connection to the national gas infrastructure network and replacement of part of the fuel with natural gas. Lazarova said that the forthcoming development of the enterprise is related to a new installation, consisting of a combined steam-gas cycle with 180 MW of electricity and a steam turbine, the fuel used will be natural gas and hydrogen.
“Installation of electrolyzers for the production of hydrogen from a photovoltaic park, located on 1400 decares, which is the former reclaimed slag dump. The permit for the construction of the photovoltaic park has already been received. It is expected to be fully completed in December 2023.” , added Lazarova. The hydrogen will be stored by installing batteries to store energy from it. The terrain of the mine in Bobov Dol and the current ash dump used by Bobov Dol will also be recultivated, explained the co-chairman of Brown to green “
Kristina Lazarova also spoke about the plans for the transformation of Toplofikacia Pernik, which is the other large enterprise, part of southwestern Bulgaria, which has important social significance due to the fact that it provides heating to nearly 20,000 households. Lazarova said that currently the fuel used by the company is coal and natural gas. “The coal is supplied by the open pit mine located in Pernik and by the Beli Breg mines. 12,000 decares. They will be reclaimed and used for production and energy technology needs, “said the co-founder of the Brown to Green Platform.
The co-founder of the Platform said that 5 Wärtsilä cogeneration plants with a total of 44 MW of electric and 40 MW of thermal power have been purchased at Toplofikacia Pernik. The working fuel is natural gas with the ability to mix with hydrogen. “In order to provide the remaining heat load for the needs of customers, the options for a mix of natural gas, hydrogen, powered by photovoltaic park, which will be built on reclaimed land of 1600 decares and additional 1000 decares, which will be used in order to build a solar farm for heat production with its storage. “, said Lazarova and added that the current heating network of 130 km of pipes will be modernized and a variant of a trigeneration system is planned, which will provide subscribers with heating in winter and cooling in the summer months.
In her speech, she considered the other options on the path chosen by “Brown to Green” for a smooth and equitable transition, namely the development and modernization of the district heating network through the use of solar heating technology and conversion of district heating services. are used not only for heating but also for cooling. “Last but not least, providing an opportunity for the development of industrial zones and R&D for new technologies in the field of decarbonization,” said Lazarova.
The focus of Kristina Lazarova’s speech was the need to simplify administrative procedures, especially for urban areas, the lack of communication from institutions that decide on the transformation of the sector with stakeholders and the serious need for Bulgaria’s energy strategy.
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