Experimental combustion of waste wood will begin at the Maritsa-East 2 TPP by the end of this month. This was announced to journalists by the Minister of Energy Zhecho Stankov, who visited the complex today. According to him, at the beginning of the experiment, 5% biomass will be added to the lignite coal, and the amount will gradually increase to 30%. Upon reaching this amount, the price of electricity produced by the state-owned TPP 2 can be reduced by up to 50 euros/MWh - this is a serious result that will significantly increase the competitiveness of production and increase the need for more coal production. A reduction of about 50% in carbon emissions is also expected, which play a significant role in the price of electricity produced by the Maritsa-East 2 TPP. The process is of key importance for ensuring stable employment and the prospects for the operation of the Maritsa East complex. “If five units are currently operating at the plant, our hopes are that by this time next year, thanks to the inclusion of wood chips in the fuel, the load will be 100% and all eight units will be operating“, emphasized Minister Stankov.
The purchase of machines for the inclusion of wood chips can be financed with grants from the Just Transition Fund, where we have access to 88 million euros, under the funds for coal regions, as well as with loans.
The addition of waste wood to lignite coal as a fuel for electricity production has the potential to become a successful example of cooperation between the energy sector and forestry, ensuring sustainability and competitiveness in the development of both sectors.
The change of fuel has also been discussed with the management of the two American plants – TPP “Maritsa-East“ 1 and TPP “Maritsa-East“ 3, it became clear from the words of the Minister of Energy. If it is successful, these two plants are also ready to add biomass to lignite coal in their production.
The experiment with the inclusion of waste wood in the fuel for electricity production comes as a result of a year-long targeted search for sustainable opportunities for the development of the “Maritsa-East“ complex. Leading representatives of the sector, as well as scientists with undisputed long-term expertise, are involved in the process.