Miners and energy workers from TPP "Bobov dol": "The only alternative we see in the plan is Terminal 2"

Miners and energy workers from TPP "Bobov dol", "Pernik District Heating" and the mines in the 2 settlements went on a warning protest today, in solidarity with their colleagues from Complex "Maritsa East".

Baseline closures are a national issue. Energy and national security are at risk. Thousands of jobs are at risk and all this without an alternative.

The reason for the protests of the 3 regions was the 2nd territorial plans for a just transition, which, according to everyone, neither provide a transition nor are they fair. The local authorities in the three regions also objected to what was recorded in them.

The Bulgarian government has the opportunity and mechanisms to renegotiate and defend its national wealth and independent energy. Moreover, they are obliged to protect people. Energetics and miners are adamant that they will not stand idly by and let someone else decide their fate and future. They will send the government a general declaration for the South West Coal Region.

One thing is clear. Until an alternative is provided, baseload capacity must operate to ensure the energy balance, jobs and security of the energy system. There is no way to produce thermal energy from a non-existent spring in Kyustendil, nor is retraining for the disappearing sewing industry an alternative for people. The changes in the Territorial Plans for a just transition are not just mandatory, but critically imperative for the regions. "The only alternative we now see in the plan is Terminal 2," they were emphatic.