"Greenpeace“ – Bulgaria is addressing institutions and companies in the sector with an appeal to modernize central heating. In a series of meetings and conversations, they share good experience from around the world and insist that this energy sector begins to enter the 21st century.
Experts from "Greenpeace“ point out the need for optimization due to constant accidents, outdated technologies and heavy debts. The possibilities for environmentally friendly, cheap and modern central heating are already many, the organization says.
In front of Radio Sofia, Balin Balinov – energy solutions coordinator at "Greenpeace“ explained that they have already sent a number of letters to various municipal and national institutions.
"We reminded them of something they should know, that every year "Toplofikatsiya-Sofia" prepares a business plan. I was surprised to learn that last year's plan included a number of measures related to renewable energy. This very rarely happens in Bulgaria – on a large level, on a large scale to think exactly like this. For now, this remains only in black and white", Balinov pointed out.
He gave examples from several European cities, including Bucharest and Novi Sad, which are changing their district heating in various ways.
"In Novi Sad, with financing from the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, they will build a classic solar district heating system – the kind that many have in the northern countries. They are also related to the decentralization of the system, because they are smaller in scale, but are very well located territorially“, said Balin Balinov.
He added that in Bucharest, with the help of an American company, they will benefit from geothermal energy.
According to Balin Balinov, the accidents at "Toplofikatsiya-Sofia" will continue to occur if investments are not made in changing technologies, in reducing independence from gas and in the distribution network.
"Toplofikatsiya-Sofia" uses 1/3 of the entire amount of gas that circulates in Bulgaria annually," he pointed out.