“The study of rare earth elements in the “Maritsa-East“ complex, in which Bulgaria is partnering with the USA, is a success for the mining industry, technological progress and the development of new economic activities in the region.“ This was said by the Minister of Energy Zhecho Stankov, who participated in a round table “Accelerated Energy Transition – policies and innovations for sustainable development until 2040“, organized by the Center for the Study of Democracy.
In front of the participants in the discussion, Minister Stankov emphasized the state's commitment to ensure the implementation of new technologies, guaranteeing security of supply and sustainable employment of workers in the complex.
“There is no way we can give up on coal-fired electricity production from today to tomorrow“, emphasized Minister Stankov and recalled the recently signed agreement between BEH EAD and the University of North Dakota, according to which the university will support the process of mapping our mines in the “Maritsa-East“ complex for the content of rare earth elements in lignite coal.
„Based on samples already sent, we have reason to claim that there are enough such elements, thanks to which coal production can increase by at least 20%“, the Minister of Energy predicts. According to him, this is a chance to ensure sustainable employment for miners from the complex.
„The topic of decarbonization is often used in a political context to instill fear in the region, instead of looking pragmatically at the potential we have and using it to its full potential“, emphasized Minister Stankov.
Bulgaria has a unique energy mix, in which both coal and nuclear energy (including the latest technologies for small modular reactors), RES capacities and energy storage systems have a place. “The role of the state is to create conditions for preserving and developing this balance, which will guarantee security of energy supplies and build on the country's leading role as a net exporter of energy for the entire region“, Minister Stankov concluded.