site.btaEnvironmental Authority Identifies Violations at Toplofikatsya Pernik

Between September 21 and October 9, experts from the Sofia Regional Inspectorate of Environment and Water carried out a total of six inspections at the Republika Thermal Power Plant (TPP) in Pernik and identified violations, the inspectorate said. The inspections covered the two companies operating at the industrial site: Toplofikatsiya Pernik AD, the plant operator, and Heat Energy Ltd., which operates a solid-fuel drying installation.

During an inspection of the Republika TPP on October 7, experts identified damaged sections of the plaster lining of the brick flue duct carrying exhaust gases from Steam Generator No. 5 to the flue gas desulphurisation unit. The damage creates conditions that could lead to sulphur oxide emissions and is a source of an unpleasant, suffocating odour. Also on October 7, an automated air quality monitoring station in central Pernik recorded exceedances of the hourly average limit for sulphur dioxide and the daily average limit for particulate matter (PM10).

Administrative penalty proceedings have been initiated in response to the identified breaches of the conditions set out in the integrated permit issued to Toplofikatsiya Pernik AD. The company has also been instructed to repair the damaged sections of the brick flue duct.

In a separate order, the Director of the Sofia Regional Inspectorate of Environment and Water instructed the operator to limit the production capacity of the combustion installation in accordance with the terms of its integrated permit. The operating load of Steam Generator No. 5 has been restricted to a maximum of 103 MW. The deadline for complying with the instructions is October 22, 2026.

During inspections of Heat Energy Ltd., fugitive emissions from the company’s installation were also identified. The company was instructed to repair the damaged sections.

The Inspectorate will continue to monitor the activities of both companies and conduct follow-up inspections to verify compliance with the instructions and the implementation of measures to limit emissions.

Since the beginning of the year up to October 9, a total of eight inspections have been carried out at Toplofikatsiya Pernik AD, during which violations were identified and instructions were issued to remedy them. The company complied with the instructions within the prescribed deadlines. Four administrative violation reports were also drawn up against the Republika TPP for breaches of the conditions of its integrated permit identified at the end of 2025.