2024-02-20 16:45:07
The transformation of the coal plants in parallel with the construction of new capacities at the Kozloduy NPP will allow to guarantee the security and balance of the electricity system
– Mr. Kovacki, how do you see the current implementation of the European goals for decarbonization in the Bulgarian energy sector?
– I will not lie if I say that at this stage the implementation of the European decarbonization goals depends to a great extent on the private initiative of the “affected” enterprises.
Unfortunately, we have not yet seen a final plan for the future of the two state-owned enterprises in the “Maritsa East” complex, but it is a fact that all other private plants are actively working and investing for this decarbonization to happen.
Recently, the KonturGlobal Maritsa Iztok 3 thermal power station announced that they are considering various options for the transformation of their capacities. is underway. I think there is no plant that has not already invested in gas cogeneration or some other type of modernization that leads to a reduction in the carbon footprint.
The truth is that the transformation of the coal plants in parallel with the construction of new nuclear capacities at the Kozloduy NPP site will be the significant factor that will allow to guarantee the security and balance of Bulgaria’s electricity system in the context of the expected new RES projects. And all this will be an extraordinary stimulus for the economy, because it will cause more competition.
– Does the Bulgarian energy industry have a strategic partner in the decarbonization process?
– The solutions for the green future of Bulgarian energy, which is balanced, secure and developing, already come from the American companies “General Electric” and “Westinghouse”. My team and I are working on several different projects and I see that they offer excellent opportunities to ensure the security of the electricity system in parallel with the overall and main goal of achieving decarbonization.
In terms of energy, General Electric is a good strategic partner. I think that very soon we will witness such a decision at the “Bobov Dol” TPP. It is a plant that is perhaps most willing to replace coal in its mix with various bio-alternatives. There are probably other such international technology companies, but capacities such as steam and gas engines will indeed be of particular importance for the quality and smooth operation of the electricity system.
– You have repeatedly stated publicly that you support the development of nuclear energy and the construction of new units on the American model. But what do you think about small modular reactors, which have also been talked about a lot in recent years?
– My prediction is that these projects should be part of the future not only of Bulgarian, but also of European energy. Small nuclear reactors that can be installed even in urban environments are an impressive solution.
The technology of operation of the American small modular reactors, which is offered precisely by “General Electric”, implies such an arrangement of all systems that they are united in one common monoblock. This solution guarantees flexibility, economy, as well as the possibility of easier operation and maintenance.
– “General Electric” also offers solutions to replace coal with gas power. Will they plan the entire process of decarbonization of Bulgaria’s energy sector?
– A good formula includes diversification, both of the sources and of the raw material mix, which I have been constantly talking about for the last 20 years, not forgetting the so important – modernization and the implementation of innovations. We must not just meet the European decarbonisation target, but do so in such a way that we emerge more competitive from this industrial revolution. This starts with changing your mindset and reframing with reason and the long view.
– When will the Bulgarian power plants be ready to give up coal in their raw material mix?
– It is not news that Bulgaria relies on its coal energy with one of the largest percentages among European countries – over 40%. It is also not news that we occupy one of the last places in terms of income. All these are aggravating circumstances for our economy. In my opinion, by 2038, our energy system will be largely reformed, but we need to carefully refine our decisions so that we do not put our economy in an even more difficult situation. It also seems very important to me to create a real perspective for people and regions.
– You studied in Russia, how do you view what is happening there?
– Like returning to dark periods in the history of this country. I studied there when almost the entire Russian society was talking about democracy, glasnost and the famous perestroika, when, as the Scorpions sang, the wind of change was blowing there. The environment was completely different.
Unfortunately, Russia took a step back in its historical path instead of becoming a part of the European political space. The tragic and unclear death of the outspoken oppositionist Alexei Navalny is another proof of this. He was a true Russian patriot and democrat who had the immense courage to face the abyss of dictatorship and war and fall in this battle.
– Why was his death perceived so painfully in Bulgaria and the whole of Eastern Europe?
– Because people from Eastern Europe, and especially us Bulgarians, perhaps better understand what is happening in Russia than a person born in Western Europe. I think that this is precisely what Prime Minister Nikolay Denkov emphasized at the conference in Munich. We have close historical and cultural ties with Ukrainians, Russians, Belarusians, and other peoples from the former USSR. For 45 years we lived together in a Soviet bloc. We know more precisely what dictatorship or authoritarianism of the Soviet or imperial type is, and we see more clearly the danger of its return.
– Do you think that Bulgaria has a better path than the European one it took?
– No, there’s no way. One path gives opportunities, the other takes them away.