site.btaCentre for Study of Democracy: Coal Plants Should Be Phased out before 2030, if Bulgaria Is to Achieve Climate Neutrality in 2050

To achieve climate neutrality in 2050, Bulgaria needs to focus on phasing out coal-fired power generation before 2030, Kostantsa Rangelova, a senior analyst for the Energy and Climate Programme of the Centre for the Study of Democracy (CSD) said here Thursday. She was among the speakers during a roundtable on the Road Map for Climate Neutrality in Bulgaria by 2050, where she presented an analysis of different scenarios for transitioning to a low-carbon economy.

Also, this country needs to set clear timelines for transforming coal regions through effective use of available European and national instruments, added Rangelova. 

The CSD urged investment in innovative technologies, including renewable energy technologies and smart grids, and to implement various measures to decentralize the electricity system.

As far as buildings are concerned, the implementation of energy efficiency measures should be stepped up and households should be encouraged to be active participants in the electricity market through renewable energy production. This will also reduce energy poverty in Bulgaria, said Rangelova.

The most important CSD recommendations in the transport sector are related to the implementation of sustainable modes of transport. "We cannot focus only on electrification of our vehicle fleet. It is crucial to encourage people to use public transport and alternative methods of getting about," Rangelova said. According to her, this is one of the main steps towards decarbonisation of this sector.

CSD also underscored the crucial role of afforestation and expansion of the forests.