BGWEA sees controversy in NEK's plan to halt grid-connection of renewable energy projects

(ADPnews) - Dec 20, 2010 - The Bulgarian Wind Energy Association (BGWEA) today released a statement saying the suggestion of National Electricity Company’s (NEK) to halt the connection of renewable energy projects may become an area of conflict.

Last week, Krasimir Parvanov, CEO of the owner of Bulgaria's power transmission network, said that it will not connect any new renewable energy capacities to the grid before the new law on renewable energy sources comes into force. The law is still pending the approval of the Bulgarian Council of Ministers before being sent to parliament. Entrance into force is seen around July 2011.

At the same time, Parvanov also announced that NEK is planning to call tenders for the construction of its own wind and solar parks next year. "The parks will have a capacity of up to 50 MW and will be located on sites with an existing power grid," Krasimir Parvanov said.

BGWEA welcomed NEK's announcement for investing in renewable energy projects as an important step in diversifying the company's power mix. However, NEK’s planned investments in renewable energies "need to be undertaken carefully [...] to manage conflicts of interest between NEK and its renewable energy clients, which NEK may be competing with", BGWEA statement read.
"To address this issue BGWEA looks forward to engaging in a constructive dialogue with NEK to find a mutually acceptable mechanism to advance the progress of renewable energies in Bulgaria," it said.

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