The state is looking for options to manage the ContourGlobal Maritsa East 3 TPP operationally

"From January 1, 2025, units 3 and 4 of the ContourGlobal Maritsa East 3 TPP will be operational and by the end of March they will contribute to maintaining the balance and security of our electricity system. According to our assessment, both units are in good technical condition." This was stated by the Minister of Energy Vladimir Malinov during his visit to the plant. According to him, this will significantly reduce the potential for electricity imports from neighboring markets, the energy ministry added.

According to the minister, options are being worked on that aim to increase state ownership in the ContourGlobal Maritsa East 3 TPP from July 1, 2025. Currently, National Electric Company EAD owns a 27% stake in the plant. "In a constructive dialogue with colleagues, we reached an agreement between NEC shareholders and the majority owner to draw a long-term roadmap for the plant's operation. The state's participation will be increased through NEC or another company from the BEH group, both as a shareholder and as operational management of units 3 and 4 in ContourGlobal," he added.

Minister Malinov also inspected the technical readiness of the TPP "Maritsa East 2" for the current winter season. "I take this opportunity to reassure both Bulgarian households and businesses that we are actively working to provide the necessary electricity in the winter," the minister emphasized after the talks. As of today, the Kozloduy nuclear power plant is operating at full capacity, providing over 2,000 megawatts of electricity for Bulgaria, and seven units are currently operating at the TPP "Maritsa East" 2, with the planned annual repair of the eighth unit expected to be completed on Saturday. In this way, we will provide at least 1000 megawatts for electricity consumption for both households and businesses. To date, over 1/3 of the electricity for households is provided by the Kozloduy NPP, over 1/3 by coal-fired power plants in the region, and the rest is provided by NEC on a free market and water resources, taking into account the reduced volume of water.

The Minister of Energy emphasized that the country will have enough electricity at the predictable price for households, which has been approved by the Energy and Water Resources Commission. "I categorically want to state that there will be no power outage in Bulgaria, even in the event of worsening weather conditions. We are far from such a situation," the Minister concluded.