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

Vasil Levski Airport in Sofia

Regular flights from Sofia to the US expected from spring 2026

The first regular direct flights between Bulgaria and the United States are expected to begin in April 2026, Transport and Communications Minister Grozdan Karadzhov said during the national discussion “Tourism and Air Connectivity: Traditional..

published on 10/24/25 1:45 PM

The sale of Lukoil’s assets in Bulgaria will take place only after a decision by the Council of Ministers and approval from DANS

Bulgaria’s National Assembly approved at second reading amendments to the Investment Promotion Act. Under the changes, the assets of the Russian company Lukoil in Bulgaria can be sold only after a decision by the Council of Ministers and following a..

published on 10/24/25 12:04 PM

Priеmier Zhelyazkov convenes a meeting with ministers in connection with the sanctions on Lukoil

Bulgaria’s Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov is convening a working meeting with ministers in connection with the United States’ decision to impose sanctions on Rosneft and Lukoil. The meeting is scheduled for 11:00 a.m. on Friday. Premier Zhelyazkov..

published on 10/24/25 8:57 AM