Podcast in English
Text size
Bulgarian National Radio © 2025 All Rights Reserved

Maritsa-Iztok 3 coal-fired power plant reopens after being closed over air pollution

The Maritsa-Iztok 3 TPP
Photo: BGNES

Maritsa-Iztok 3 coal-fired power plant in Dimitrovgrad has been functioning since last night, BNR’s correspondent Dora Atanassova reports.

The thermal power plant was closed down at the end of April over air pollution, which triggered protests by the TPPs staff. Two days ago the court annulled the suspension of its operation but yesterday Minister of Environment and Water Borislav Sandov updated Maritsa-Iztok 3’s integrated permit, enhancing the requirements in accordance with European legislation. Minister Sandov pointed out that the operator has only partially fulfilled the requirements. For Maritsa-Iztok 3 to be made operational it has to meet the requirements set down. Activists from the movement “Breathe Dimitrovgrad!” got together last night in front of the TPP building when they saw it was operational. “We are not against the TPP working but it must work according to the rules,” they said.

“The power plant has been made operational in accordance with the court decision,” said Maritsa 3’s chief legal officer Julian Semerdjiev. 



Последвайте ни и в Google News Showcase, за да научите най-важното от деня!
Listen to the daily news from Bulgaria presented in "Bulgaria Today" podcast, available in Spotify.

More from category

Mark Rutte

Bulgaria meets NATO's target of allocation at least 2% of GDP to defense

In 2024, Bulgaria spent USD 2.208 billion (3.964 billion BGN), or 2.04% of its GDP, on defense, reads the annual report of NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte. For the first time, the country has met the NATO target set in 2014, which requires each..

published on 4/25/25 10:53 AM

A discussion on the reintroduction of religious education in Bulgarian schools was held in Sofia

A discussion on the potential reintroduction of religious education in Bulgarian schools was held at the National Palace of Culture in Sofia. The discussion was organized by the Ministry of Education and Science. Religions will be studied from a..

published on 4/25/25 9:29 AM
Georgi Panayotov

Bulgaria's Ambassador to the United States has resigned

Bulgaria’s Ambassador to the United States Georgi Panayotov has requested an early end to his term, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced. The reasons for his resignation were not specified. Ambassador Georgi Panayotov is a career diplomat..

published on 4/25/25 9:06 AM