American energy company AES is intentionally protracting its project for building a solar power plant near Silistra, because it wants changes introduced in Bulgaria's law on renewable energy, said Minister of Energy Traicho Traikov.
The statement, quoted by Dnevnik.bg doesn't make clear whether Traikov was negative or positive about that fact.
He further stated that the changes that AES wants introduced into legislation is a state subsidy that would amount to BGN 50-100 M.
Traikov went on to praise AES, saying “I admitted the American company only because it was AES. There are over 150 similar projects whose executors want to hold a meeting with me, but I do not admit them.”
Traikov issued the statement that AES is idling on its own project in response of new pushy criticism on the part of American ambassador to Bulgaria James Warlick, who said upon presenting AES's project Wednesday said: “AES has been waiting for six months to go ahead with its investment, which costs nothing to the Bulgarian government.”
The Bulgarian energy minister stated that this wait is not due to his ministry, but rather to AES's own choice.
Author: George Zheliazkov, 31 Jul 2010 18:35:40
Energy Minister: AES Wants to Alter Bulgarian Legislation
Traicho,
Get out of your delusional state of mind and stop waiting on the Americans to do something positive for Bulgaria. The USA is broke, insolvent and hungry!!!
Just forget about the USA!
Traicho stop wasting time; focus on Asia and the BRIC countries, that’s where the money, growth and future are!!!
Author: Dino, 1 Aug 2010 06:49:21
Energy Minister: AES Wants to Alter Bulgarian Legislation
George:
I bet you that this company is not about solar but tax credits. And that the changes it seeks to Bg law are to ensure a tax payer subsidy because without it the project might be less profitable.
As I said before and for the benefit of Bg, I will not allow any old generation solar technology on Bulgarian soil. Only third generation photovoltaics with 60% efficiency or more will do; otherwise they are selling you some old technology which wastes your land and your potential.
Precisely, what are the changes to the law sought by this company?
Author: NellieotAmerica, 1 Aug 2010 16:02:35
Energy Minister: AES Wants to Alter Bulgarian Legislation
Dino
"I bet you that this company is not about solar but tax credits."
You hit the nail on the head. It is all about tax credits and government subsidies. As soon as the government subsidies dry up, these companies just abandon their acres of wind farms and solar farms and fold. And then we are stuck with miles and miles of abandoned, rusting equipment littering the landscape. We in the US have been there, done that for about 30 years now. And this selling and buying of carbon credits is yet another idiotic idea that is not going to accomplish anything.
Author: Dino, 1 Aug 2010 21:08:20
Energy Minister: AES Wants to Alter Bulgarian Legislation
Nellie:
You are probably right. Also another disturbing fact is that the CEO of this firm (AES) receives $5 Million annual compensation, while for example the CEO of Ford Motor Co. company receives only $1.2 Million.
This excessive compensation is like the canary in the land mine. Bg needs to be very careful here before she becomes a victim of exploitation and some political connections of dubious character.
