Maritsa Iztok 3 TPP is analyzing possible usage of batteries and gas

There are ongoing analyses on how the Maritsa Iztok 3 thermal power plant (TPP) should develop after it ceased operations in February 2024 when its long-term contract with the Bulgarian state-owned National Electricity Company (NEK) expired. This was the written answer given by the country’s interim Energy Minister Vladimir Malinov to a question asked by MP Iskra Mihailova.

Since February, the plant has switched on part of its units several times when there were high electricity prices on the energy exchange, "but it is clearly not expected to continue operating as before with the full capacity of 4 units of 202 MW each," said the minister’s response.

ContourGlobal Maritsa Iztok 3 TPP is owned by ContourGlobal Maritsa Iztok 3 AD, which in turn has two shareholders: ContourGlobal Bulgaria Holding S.a.r.l. Luxembourg, which owns 73% of the capital and the National Electric Company (NEK) with 27% of the capital (its ownership share prompted the MP's inquiry).

At the moment, all production facilities in the plant are available and fit for operation, with the boilers, turbo generators and steel coils of the generators having been preserved. Periodically, the oil systems of the turbogenerators are switched on and the rotor is rotated for up to an hour.

The ministry’s reponss explains that ContourGlobal Maritsa Iztok 3 is still analyzing the possibilities for developing the plant's activities. As already announced by the company, the business activity can be redirected to renewable energy sources (solar panels and batteries), and according to the Ministry of Energy, there is already such a development intent. 

The prospect of building only an electricity storage facility is being analyzed separately by studying the most appropriate scheme for its construction and operation.

Under initial stages of analysis is also the option of switching to lower emission production of electrical energy -through the use of gas. Reconstituting the fuel base would make it possible to preserve available flexible capacities for power system management, which are needed by the Electricity System Operator, given the gradual loss of condensation capacities, according to the ministry.

The Bulgarian Ministry of Energy adds that it does not have any other information about planned changes in the land usage of the ContourGlobal Maritsa Iztok 3 TPP for the creation of industrial zones, factories and other business objects.

As mentioned above, in February 2024 the term of the long-term power purchase agreement (PPA) concluded between NEK EAD and ContourGlobal Maritsa Iztok 3 AD expired. This circumstance and the strong influence of carbon emission prices significantly affected the operation of the plant, reducing the production of electrical energy from lignite. In connection with this and after the expiration of the PPA, the market is being analyzed and opportunities are being sought for the sale of electricity on the free market at suitable prices.

The National Electric Company (NEK) participates in decision-making about the future of the plant only in its capacity as a minority shareholder within the powers provided by law and the statutes of ContourGlobal Maritsa Iztok 3.

Translated by Tzvetozar Vincent Iolov