AES Bulgaria announced on Friday that it must initiate a controlled and safe shutdown of the plant, placing it into conservation mode. This action is necessitated by the expiration of the long-term power purchase agreement between TPP AES Galabovo and the National Electricity Company (NEK). According to the company’s statement, this approach is deemed responsible for protecting the facility and maintaining potential for future operations.
The announcement addresses reports of mass layoffs at the plant, which were circulated by regional labor offices on Thursday. AES Bulgaria stated that future employment levels will correlate with the plant’s evolving operational status, adding that the company has maintained transparency with its staff throughout the conservation process and treated affected employees respectfully. Furthermore, AES Bulgaria confirmed that it has notified Mini Maritsa-East, as its contract for lignite coal supply for electricity generation is also set to expire concurrently.
In its statement, the company indicated that it is engaged in ongoing dialogue with Bulgarian authorities and relevant stakeholders. The goal of these discussions is to explore development opportunities that could enable the AES Galabovo Thermal Power Plant to continue supporting Bulgaria’s energy security and grid reliability. AES Bulgaria clarified that these operational changes do not impact the Saint Nikola Wind Farm in Kavarna, which remains part of the investor’s portfolio.
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