TPP “AES Galabovo” celebrates the 5th anniversary since the beginning of its successful operations in Bulgaria

June 3, 2016

June 3, 2016 – TPP “AES Galabovo”, the most modern thermal power plant in Bulgaria and Eastern Europe, celebrates the 5th anniversary of the start of its successful operations in the country. The plant is part of the AES Corporation family, operating in 17 countries.

„We believe AES contributed strongly to the modernization of the Bulgarian energy sector. When we first entered Bulgaria, AES Galabovo was the country’s largest greenfield investment since 1989, and we are today the largest investor in the country with approximately EUR 1.6 billion invested in the energy sector, said Olivier Marquette, Managing Director for AES Bulgaria, stressing that “TPP Galabovo contributes to the stability of the Bulgarian electric system and to the energy independence of the country”.

Todor Belezhkov, AES Bulgaria Plant Manager, added that “the 600 MW net TPP AES Galabovo is producing electricity entirely from local lignites originating from the Maritza East Basin in South Bulgaria. It ensures about 5% of the installed power capacity of the country, supports the local economy and creates more than 350 direct and more than 2000 indirect job positions. For five years of commercial operation TPP AES Galabovo produced 16.6 TWh of electricity,  burned 24 milion tons of coal and disposed 10 milion tons of byproduct. The average annual Commercial availability is 98% and Еquivalent Forced Outage Factor (EFOF) 0,4%.”

Being the latest and most modern TPP in its class in South-East Europe, TPP AES Galabovo uses in its production process the world’s best technologies to ensure optimal air quality, water management and safe waste storage, soil and groundwater preservation, in full compliance with the Directives of the European Union and the national legislation.

During these five years AES has developed a comprehensive Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) program in Bulgaria. So far, AES has invested EUR 3.3 million in CSR activities related the AES Galabovo project.