The local population of Bobov Dol is not heated by heating, because there is none in the city. On this occasion, the data released in recent days about increasing the prices of the "Bobov Dol" thermal power plant for supplying heat are a false statement and a lie.
This was stated by the director of the "Bobov Dol" thermal power plant Chavdar Stoynev. According to him, the suggestions made about pollution from the plant, as well as manipulation with biomass, are also completely false.
What is the vision of the Bobov Dol thermal power plant?
The vision of the "Bobov Dol thermal power plant from the very beginning of the transformation program has been based on a balanced approach. We are planning and to some extent already a fact the raw material mix of the future - biomass, biogas, natural gas and hydrogen. The basis of this selection is to use different raw materials, striving to balance local ones, such as biomass, with imported ones, such as natural gas. We consider our concept of sustainable development as a set of diversified raw material mix, which also goes with the word accessibility and production, which gives added value to the region. This vision does not displace our main mission - to produce energy and our role in the balance of the energy system, but expands it with additional benefits.
Coal may turn out to be the raw material of the future!
Coal is important for the current situation. Natural gas was almost rejected before it was adopted as a transitional fuel. The same applies to nuclear energy, which Europe now looks to with hope. Science is developing and we do not rule out the possibility of clean technologies returning fossil fuels to the center of energy.
The shortage of raw materials in Europe puts this topic on the agenda. Extracting metals from coal is an opportunity to harness their full potential. In the USA, work is underway on how to make this process efficient and safe.
That is exactly why at the Bobov Dol Thermal Power Plant we started the transformation with local raw materials and are gradually building on this mix. Young, well-educated specialists are also important for achieving this goal and we have been working with vocational schools for a long time, explained Chavdar Stoynev.
However, the Bobov Dol Thermal Power Plant is a different enterprise and should always be considered in its totality of benefits - as a participant in the balance of the energy system, as a significant employer in the region, as a socially responsible company, as the center of a future industrial park, etc. Therefore, achieving the goals of competitiveness and sustainability is important, both economically for the Power Plant, and for the region and the energy system as a whole.
The Power Plant's experts are in active communication with representatives of the American conglomerate "General Electric" and plan to invest in 2 combined cycle modules with the idea of increasing them to 4 units with a total electrical capacity of 200 MW and thermal capacity of 200 MW. The gas turbines of "General Electric" have the capacity to consume up to 80% hydrogen, for which it is planned to gradually install special nozzles.
We also plan to introduce natural gas into our fuel mix, since the production use of the blue fuel produces half as many emissions as coal. To this end, the Power Plant plans to build a gas connection at its own expense, connecting it to the national gas transmission network. The permitting procedures are currently being finalized.
In connection with the introduction of natural gas, the Bobov Dol Thermal Power Plant plans to install 5 gas-fired cogenerators with a total capacity of 44 MW, which will enter into operation in 2027.
The Bobov Dol Thermal Power Plant is a power plant that has 3 power units with a total installed capacity of 630 MW. The plant is an important base load that guarantees the stability and maintenance of the frequency of the country's electricity transmission network.
The main fuel of the largest energy producer in Southwestern Bulgaria is brown and lignite coal. They are supplied from 4 coal mines located in the Kyustendil, Pernik and Sofia regions - Bobov Dol Mine, Pernik Mine, Stanyantsi Mine and Beli Breg Mine. In Bobov Dol Thermal Power Plant The so-called enriched energy fuel is also used, which is produced in Brickell by drying the coal from the Maritsa East Mine. Thanks to this process, the energy indicators of the coal from the Maritsa Basin, which are low-calorie, are significantly improved. The use of enriched energy fuel in the production process increases efficiency and stabilizes the combustion process.
The Bobov Dol Thermal Power Plant directly employs about 1,000 people, living mainly in Dupnitsa and the surrounding area. The four coal mines employ about 5,000 people. It should be noted that at least 8,000 people are indirectly involved in the activities of the Bobov Dol Thermal Power Plant and the mines, who are engaged in repairs, production of various auxiliary equipment, metals, sheets, pipes and many others. Also, the two desulfurization installations of the thermal power plant are a major consumer of hydrated lime, which is supplied by a large producer operating in relative proximity. The power plant relies mainly on rail transport for the supply of its main fuel and is the largest user of rail services in the region. In this regard, the importance of the Bobov Dol Thermal Power Plant The impact on employment and the involvement of smaller companies in the area is extremely large, and if such a plant were to close, at least 20,000 families would be directly affected.