Market Intelligence
BULGARIA
Bulgaria presents range of opportunities for UK fi rms
Waste management
The total volume of waste generated annually in Bulgaria is 250 million tonnes (Eurostat) and there are over 400 landfi lls for municipal waste. To comply with EU regulations Bulgaria is currently building a system of 55 regional landfi lls of which 33 regional landfi lls have been built or reconstructed, while 22 regional landfi lls, including the integrated waste management system of the capital Sofi a, are still to be completed. Major opportunities for UK companies exist in providing consultancy, supply equipment, advisory and management services.
Recycling
Recycling of packaging waste, vehicles and WEEE has been developing in recent years. There are several collection organisations that work every effective in the market. The collection and recycling of hazardous waste is limited to lead-acid batteries, oils and some waste petroleum products. A collection system for hazardous waste such as luminescent tubes, batteries and chemical waste has not been put into operation. Overall, Bulgaria deposits more than 98 per cent of its waste but it should be noted that the mining and quarrying sector generate the highest volumes of waste in the country.
Water
The upgrading and construction of water and wastewater treatment infrastructure is a major priority for the Bulgarian government. Major opportunities for UK companies exist in the upgrading and construction of wastewater treatment plants and sewerage systems, unfi nished dams, drinking- water treatment plants, water supply and sewerage infrastructure and upgrades of the water supply network.
Low carbon initiatives
Development of low carbon sustainable economy is a key priority for the Bulgarian Government. Projects for wind, solar, hydro, biomass and thermal facilities are underway reducing the impact of greenhouse gas and improving the energy mix. A Green Investment Scheme is underway providing opportunities to receive fi nancial resource for spare emissions for the period 2008-2012 which will be used for the implementation of projects, policies and measures for the reduction of GHG emissions. Projects for Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) could be implemented and the respective ministry is currently doing preliminary studies.
Milko Minev
Major projects
The public tender for the design and construction of Sofi a waste treatment plant, and for the design and construction of a waste composting plant has been fi nalised now. The winning bidder is to be announced shortly and expects to attract many subcontractors to help complete this €260 million project.
EU funding
Operational Programme Environment (OPE) is one of the seven operational programmes, which have been developed to absorb EU funds in Bulgaria for the period 2007-2013. OPE is fi nanced by two EU funds – the Cohesion Fund and the European Regional Development Fund. The total fi nancial package for the implementation of OPE 2007-2013 amounts to €1.8 billion. OPE’s main objectives are:
• Protection and improvement of the condition of water resources
• Improvement of waste management and soil protection • Preservation of biodiversity and nature protection • Technical assistance
Success story
British giant United Utilities was awarded a 25-year concession contract for the development and upgrading of the water and wastewater network in the Sofi a municipality, and started in October 2000. This is the fi rst private-public partnership in Bulgaria in which Sofi a municipality holds 25 per cent of the shared capital and the remaining 75 per cent is divided between United Utilities and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development.
If you would like to investigate the Bulgarian market further please contact Milko Minev, UK Trade & Investment Sofi a, Bulgaria, tel +359 2 9339 285/225, fax +359 2 9339 279 or email:
milko.minev@fco.gov.uk and
irina.iankova@fco.gov.uk
Useful websites:
Ministry of Environment and Water Ministry of Regional Development and Public Works Invest Bulgaria Agency EU funds
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