Thessaloniki gets ready for its metro launch in November
The underground rapid transit lines have been under construction for almost two decades due to various project delays
Prime Minister Stefan Yanev announced that the plant will be operating at minimum capacity
On Saturday, 26 June, the Prime Minister of the Bulgarian interim government Stefan Yanev announced that the country cannot afford to shut down its largest coal-fired power plant. Maritza-Iztok 2 is located in one of the most fertile regions in the country – the Upper Thracian Plain, but it is an indispensable part of the country’s power grid. Instead, it will operate at minimum capacity.
The Maritza-Iztok 2 plant has been operating at a huge loss for the past five years, as the government is forced to buy significant carbon allowances.
At the same time, the plant is a key part of Bulgaria’s energy grid at the moment. It balances its operation since it can provide extra power if there is a problem in any other sector.
Bulgaria cannot provide an alternative for the nearly 100,000 people who are directly and indirectly affected by the country’s energy transition.
According to the prime minister a solution to the problem can not be reached in the next two weeks or two months, however, when designed such a solution has to be equally compatible with the interests of consumers and industries.
“We need to see how to improve the condition of the coal plant and if it is necessary to close it. This must happen with a step by step plan. The workers must be trained for other activities so that there is no tension,” stated the Prime minister.
He added that the country has a healthy budget increase at the moment and when the new government is eventually elected, they would have a certain degree of flexibility while dealing with the issue.
Hopefully, the post-COVID financial injection coming to the country would help in the transition to more environmentally friendly sources of electricity.
If you want to keep up with how European cities and regions are changing, follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
The underground rapid transit lines have been under construction for almost two decades due to various project delays
Now you can get your wine in Talence by paying directly in Bitcoin
That’s because the state has to spend money on updating the railway infrastructure rather than subsidizing the cost of the popular pass
Rethinking renewable energy sources for the urban landscape
The examples, compiled by Beyond Fossil Fuels, can inform and inspire communities and entrepreneurs that still feel trepidation at the prospect of energy transition
Now you can get your wine in Talence by paying directly in Bitcoin
The 10th European Conference on Sustainable Cities and Towns (ESCT) sets the stage for stronger cooperation between the EU, national and local level to fast track Europe's transition to climate neutrality.
At least, that’s the promise made by the mayor of Paris, Anne Hidalgo
The underground rapid transit lines have been under construction for almost two decades due to various project delays
At least, that’s the promise made by the mayor of Paris, Anne Hidalgo
Hostal de Pinós is located in the geographical centre of the autonomous region
Despite its church-y name, the district has long been known as the hangout spot for the artsy crowds
Urban dwellers across the EU are having a say in making their surroundings friendlier to people and the environment.
Forests in the EU can help green the European construction industry and bolster a continent-wide push for architectural improvements.
Apply by 10 November and do your part for the transformation of European public spaces
An interview with the Mayor of a Polish city that seeks to reinvent itself
An interview with the newly elected ICLEI President and Mayor of Malmö
A conversation with the Mayor of Lisbon about the spirit and dimensions of innovation present in the Portuguese capital