AES Bulgaria announced on Friday that it must initiate a controlled and safe shutdown of the plant and transition 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 measured approach is intended to protect the facility and maintain potential for future operations.
The announcement followed reports from regional labor offices on Thursday regarding potential mass layoffs at the plant. AES Bulgaria stated that future employment opportunities will be contingent upon the evolving operational status of the facility, emphasizing 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 the supply of lignite coal for electricity generation is also set to expire concurrently.
The company indicated that it is in continuous dialogue with Bulgarian authorities and relevant stakeholders. These discussions aim to explore existing development opportunities that could enable the AES Galabovo Thermal Power Plant to continue supporting Bulgaria’s energy security and grid reliability. The statement also clarified that these operational changes do not impact the Saint Nikola Wind Farm in Kavarna, which remains part of the investor’s portfolio.
Topics: #aes #plant #galabovo
