Minister Petrova: Restructuring BEH is Part of a Comprehensive Integrated Concept for the Maritsa Iztok Complex
Energy Minister Iva Petrova announced the mandate given to her by the government to implement phase 93 of the National Recovery and Resilience Plan related to the corporate restructuring of the Bulgarian Energy Holding. It provides for the separation of the Maritsa Iztok Mines and the Maritsa Iztok 2 TPP into a new state-owned enterprise.
“The reform is an important step in the context of a comprehensive integrated concept for the Maritsa East Complex. It is extremely important for the energy and economic security and competitiveness of the country,” Minister Petrova stressed. It also includes a commitment to prepare a business, financial and investment plan for the complex, as well as coordination of the documents with the nationally represented trade unions. In this context, Petrova informed that the initial frameworks of the concept have already been presented to an industry council initiated by the Ministry, which has undergone a constructive dialogue.
The government approved changes to the electricity price compensation mechanism in support of the energy-intensive industry. “The decision makes the compensatory programme, which is essentially a programme to support competitiveness and investment in the Bulgarian economy, effective,” the Minister of Energy said. The scheme will be financed through the Electricity System Security Fund and is budget neutral. It will promote investments in decarbonisation and energy efficiency.
Compensation for energy-intensive electricity users over a three-year period starting on 1 July 2025 is set at EUR 334 million, with EUR 124 million for the first year.
Minister Petrova also informed of an approved derogation for certain supplies to Kozloduy NPP. The plant will be able to import iron and steel products from Russia for the implementation of the plant's repair programs. The derogation shall be granted for a period up to the expiry of the contracts.