Bulgaria's Air Pollution: Causes And Concerns

Air pollution is a significant issue in Bulgaria, with the country ranking as the most polluted in Europe and 24th in the world in 2019. The primary sources of this pollution include the domestic heating of solid fuels, coal combustion for electricity and heat generation, road transport, industry, and construction and repair activities. In addition, coal-fired power plants have led to increased levels of sulphur dioxide (SO2) in nearby cities, contributing to both air and water pollution, environmental damage, and adverse health effects on Bulgarians. Protests have emerged in response to the air pollution crisis, with citizens calling for a cleaner environment and protesting against industrial activities that are key factors in pollution.

Burning of solid fuels like coal and wood

Bulgaria has consistently ranked among European countries with the worst air quality. In 2019, it was ranked 24th in the world for air pollution, with an annual average figure of 25.49 µg/m³. The country's air quality is particularly bad during the winter, when a thick grey smog covers the country.

One of the main causes of air pollution in Bulgaria is the burning of solid fuels like coal and wood. In 2014, over 51% of all PM10 emissions and 85% of PM2.5 emissions were released from solid fuel combustion in domestic situations. The coal burned in Bulgarian households is often cheap and low quality, producing a lot of smoke and leaving behind a large amount of ash. The stoves used are also inefficient, and the combustion of solid fuels releases harmful elements such as solid dust particles (PM2.5 and PM10), sulphur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, and others.

The combustion of coal for electricity and heat production in thermal power plants is another significant source of air pollution in Bulgaria. In 2014, thermal power plants were the main sources of emissions of sulphur dioxide and nitrogen oxides (NOx), which accounted for 73% and 30% of all emissions, respectively. The coal burned in these plants is also of poor quality, with a low calorific value and high levels of ash and sulphur. As a result, Bulgarian installations use a larger amount of fuel, leading to the release of large amounts of harmful substances.

The burning of solid fuels has severe impacts on human health. Exposure to pollutants from coal combustion, such as fine dust particles, can cause respiratory irritation, burning eyes, asthma, and difficulty breathing. When exposure is systemic and in large quantities, more serious diseases of the cardiovascular, respiratory, nervous, and reproductive systems can develop. According to a 2017 report by the European Environment Agency, Bulgaria had the highest ratio of premature deaths caused by PM2.5 when compared to its total population.

Coal combustion for electricity production

Bulgaria has a well-developed power sector with universal access to the grid and numerous cross-border connections. The country is a net exporter of electricity, with total electricity production in 2022 reaching 49.4 TWh, while demand was 37.8 TWh. The main sources of electricity generation in Bulgaria are fossil fuels (52%) and nuclear power (33%). Fossil fuels include coal, oil, and natural gas.

Coal extraction remains important for Bulgaria's energy sector. In 2022, locally extracted coal secured 48% of electricity production. Bulgaria possesses significant coal reserves estimated at 4.8 billion tons, of which more than 92% is lignite, the lowest rank of coal due to its low heat content. However, lignite is widely used for electricity generation. The Maritsa Iztok mines, located in the Upper Thracian Plain, are by far the largest coal basin in the country, powering the Maritsa Iztok Complex, the largest energy complex in South-Eastern Europe. In 2022, about 97% of coal production was utilised for electrical and thermal power generation.

The combustion of coal for electricity production and heat from thermal power stations is a major source of air pollution in Bulgaria. Coal-fired power stations are a significant source of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions, contributing to global warming and climate change. They also release fine dust particles that are harmful to human health, causing respiratory irritation, burning eyes, and more serious diseases of the cardiovascular, respiratory, nervous, and reproductive systems. Cities near coal-fired power plants, such as the Maritsa Iztok Complex, have higher levels of sulphur dioxide (SO2) than places farther away from industrial centres.

Bulgaria has recognised the need to transition away from coal and reduce its environmental and health impacts. The country plans to phase out coal as an energy source by 2038, with a target of over 27% renewables by 2030. The EU is providing 1.2 billion euros to support this transition. Bulgaria has a high potential for solar irradiation, especially in its southern regions, and solar plants are rapidly increasing. Additionally, the country is exploring the potential for natural gas extraction in the Black Sea and is investing in new nuclear reactors.

Industrial activities

Additionally, industrial activities, such as the operation of light and ferrous metals factories, have been identified as key factors in air pollution in Ruse. There are concerns about the lack of environmental checks and balances on industrial activities, which has led to protests by residents demanding a cleaner environment. Young mothers in Ruse took to the streets in 1988 to protest against gas pollution from a chlorine-producing plant, marking a significant moment in the late Communist regime in Bulgaria.

The burning of coal has severe health implications for Bulgarians. Exposure to pollutants from coal combustion can lead to respiratory issues, difficulty in breathing, asthma, and irritation of the eyes and respiratory system. Fine dust particles, which are microscopic in size, can easily penetrate the lungs and cause long-term damage. This can result in the development of serious diseases affecting the cardiovascular, nervous, and reproductive systems.

Bulgaria's air quality suffers from industrial activities that release pollutants into the atmosphere. The country's air pollution levels are among the highest in Europe, with a US AQI index figure of 79 in early 2021, indicating "moderate" air quality. However, the concentration of PM2.5 was more than twice the target level, and Bulgaria was ranked 24th in the world for air pollution in 2019. These figures highlight the ongoing challenge of mitigating industrial pollution in Bulgaria.

Transport and construction

Road transport is a major source of pollution in Bulgaria. Vehicle emissions contribute to high levels of nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide, and fine dust particles in the air. These fine particles are easily inhaled and, due to their microscopic size, can penetrate deep into the lungs, causing respiratory issues and other negative health effects.

Construction and repair activities also play a role in Bulgaria's air pollution. For example, in the city of Ruse, located on the River Danube, residents have complained about environmental problems caused by industry, specifically citing concerns over factories producing light and ferrous metals. Protests have been held, with people calling for a cleaner environment and expressing worries about the health of their children.

Additionally, the combustion of coal for electricity production and domestic heating contributes to air pollution in Bulgaria. This has led to increased levels of sulphur dioxide (SO2) in cities near coal-fired power plants. The burning of coal not only pollutes the air but also causes water pollution, destroys fertile land, and contributes to climate change.

It is important to note that air pollution has severe health consequences for Bulgarians. Breathing in polluted air can lead to respiratory irritation, burning eyes, asthma, and even more serious diseases of the cardiovascular, nervous, and reproductive systems. Addressing air pollution from transport, construction, and other sources is crucial for protecting the health and well-being of Bulgaria's population.

Proximity to coal-fired power plants

Bulgaria is one of the most polluted countries in Europe. The country's coal-fired power plants (CFPPs) are a major contributor to its poor air quality. The Bobov Dol CFPP in Western Bulgaria, for example, has been flagged by Greenpeace for the alarming levels of water and air pollution it causes. The plant is the biggest in the region and one of the oldest in the country, having been built in 1975.

Air quality measurements and surveys conducted in the vicinity of the Bobov Dol CFPP have revealed concerning evidence of health-endangering pollution. Elevated levels of particulate matter (PM10), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), and sulphur dioxide (SO2) have been detected, exceeding both EU and WHO standards. These pollutants have been linked to various health issues, including respiratory irritation, asthma, and more severe diseases of the cardiovascular, nervous, and reproductive systems.

The impact of coal-fired power plants on air quality extends beyond the immediate vicinity of the plants. A study by the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA) found that air pollution from Bulgarian CFPPs leads to approximately 333 deaths each year, with associated costs amounting to EUR 742 million annually. This figure is expected to rise significantly if phase-out plans are delayed. Under a scenario where phase-out is postponed until 2038, it is estimated that air pollution from Bulgarian CFPPs will result in 5,500 premature deaths, 4,600 hospital admissions, and various other health issues, with economic costs reaching EUR 14 billion.

The Bulgarian government and energy sector are facing challenges in addressing the issues related to coal-fired power plants. While there is a push toward decarbonization and renewable energy sources, the transition away from coal is complex. The Bobov Dol CFPP, for instance, has struggled to remain competitive and has had to reduce its staff, while other plants have experienced production halts due to losses and pollution breaches. The country's energy security is at stake, and without government aid, the future of coal power in Bulgaria appears uncertain.

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