Maritsa East 3

In February 2024, following the expiration of its long-term PPA with state-owned off taker National Electric Company, the Maritsa East 3 plant was halted. ContourGlobal remains committed to long-term investment in Bulgaria and has advanced a project to reconvert the Maritsa site to renewables with solar PV and batteries. 

Thermal
Coal Fired
Bulgaria
908 MW
  • ContourGlobal Maritsa East 3

Power Plant in Bulgaria

ContourGlobal majority owns (73%), manages and operates this facility, the minority shareholder (27%) is the Bulgarian National Electric Company. Similar to the other plants in the Complex, Maritsa East 3 supplies power into the Bulgarian grid where it is consumed within the country or exported to neighboring countries such as Greece, Turkey, Macedonia and Serbia.

The plant is powered by lignite produced from the state-owned Maritsa East Mines. In the first year of our management, the facility accomplished power production of over 5 GWh, a level not seen in over three decades. After a major refurbishment of the plant from 2004 to 2009 the plant became the first thermal power plant in all of South East Europe to meet all of the current EU Environmental standards. Further upgrades were made in 2015 which addressed enforced EU emissions regulation, which came into force in 2016.

  • ContourGlobal Maritsa East 3 Bulgaria

Maritsa Power Plant of ISO 140

An Environmental Management System compliant with the requirements of ISO 14001:2004 international standard has been introduced at ContourGlobal Maritsa East 3 TPP. Compliance of the environmental management system with ISO 14001:2004 has been verified with certificates as listed below:

  • CertificateСН09/1857 of 10th December, 2009 of SGS Switzerland Certification, valid until 9th December, 2012;
  • CertificateСН09/1857 of 10th December, 2012 of SGS Switzerland Certification, valid until 9th December, 2015;
  • and Certificate № BG15/92998 of 10th December, 2015 of SGS United Kingdom Ltd., valid until 15th September, 2018.

 

Since 2010 the Environmental Management System has been integrated with the Occupational Health and Safety Management System.

 

The introduction, maintenance and certification of the Environmental Management System has ensured a continuous process of building a positive image, a competitive edge and a reduced threat from competitors of ContourGlobal Maritsa East 3 AD. The risk of environmental incidents has been reduced.

 

The Senior Management of the organization gives lavish attention to the processes, activities, materials and products which are used. It operates more efficiently for the reason that the main parameters have been monitored and measured. Effective control and actions determine the development of the organization.           

 

There is certainty that the organization is aware of and complies with legal requirements with regard to the environment. All levels within the company are involved through setting of goals and anticipated results as well as delegation of responsibilities.

 

Another achievement is the enhancement of the waste management and control on emissions, raw materials and energy. Through the analysis of operating processes plant operation has also been improved.

 

The certification under ISO 14001:2004 ContourGlobal Maritsa East 3 AD is proof and acknowledgement of their commitment to protection of the environment for future generations.

How we work with our neighbors in Bulgaria:

  • In partnership with the municipal authorities, we are supporting services throughout the community. Projects and services include:
  • Local disabled people group
  • Youth sports clubs
  • Mentally disabled service
  • Foster care
  • Local cultural house
ContourGlobal Worker Maritsa East3