US Ambassador visits TPP AES Galabovo

March 29, 2018

The Ambassador of the United States in Bulgaria, Mr. Eric Rubin visited AES Galabovo on Thursday, 29 March. His Excellency was given by AES Bulgaria President Olivier Marquette a full tour of the 600 MW facility, the most modern TPP in Bulgaria and a key contributor to the security of electricity supply in the country, using only local resources thereby supporting the energy independency of Bulgaria.

During the tour, Mr. Rubin was shown the results of the extensive investments of over 1,3 billion Euro the company has made near the town of Galabovo.

Since becoming operational in 2011, AES Galabovo provides about 6% of the total installed power capacity in the country, supports the local economy and has created more than 300 direct and 4000 indirect jobs. It provides reliable energy, combining AES’ global and local technology and expertise and uses state-of-the-art technologies for air quality, water management, waste storage, and soil and groundwater preservation, meeting European Union, World Bank and national standards.

“For the last 7 years of operation, AES has shown its commitment to operational excellence and has proven its role as a stability factor in the Bulgarian energy sector. Our power plant is a reliable partner to Bulgaria, providing safe and sustainable energy solutions”, said Mark Green, AES Eurasia President.

“We deeply appreciate the support of the US embassy and it is an honor to welcome His Excellency Mr. Rubin to our facilities. We had an extensive discussion on how we contribute to energy security and independence of Bulgaria, adhere to global environmental standards, and work to make a lasting difference and support regional development in the communities in which our businesses operate through social programs and create jobs in the community.”, stated the President of AES Bulgaria Olivier Marquette.

Following his tour, the Ambassador also visited the Waste Disposal Facility, located in close proximity to the Power Plant. The state of the art facility is unique for Bulgaria and secures the transportation and disposal of waste products from the production process of the TPP AES Galabovo explained Todor Belezhkov, Plant Manager of AES Bulgaria during the tour.

After visiting the modern Waste Disposal Facility, H.E. Rubin met with the beneficiaries of AES’ extensive CSR program.  For the years in operation, AES has invested more than 7 million Euro in projects in the fields of infrastructure, education, and healthcare.

Mr. Rubin met five headmasters of the local schools. Thanks to the company’s support, the school in the village of Obruchishte, near Galabovo, continues working, providing local kids with the chance to study near their homes. The Ambassador spoke to dr. Gosho Grozev – the head of the hospital in Galabovo, for which AES has funded the purchase and upkeep of the ambulance and hospital facilities.

The Ambassador was then invited to the Youth Center in Galabovo, which was recently renovated entirely with AES financing. The renovation of the center, which is the best facility of its kind in the region, costs 4,4 million BGN.

Local children and teenagers who use the Center presented a folklore dance performance, after which they had the chance to meet H.E. and share their views and experience of having a modern facility, which allows them to improve their skills and develop their talents.