Politicians are playing on people’s fears, but for decades Northwest Bulgaria has lagged behind in economic development. This was said by the Minister of Economy and Industry Nikola Stojanov at a meeting with citizens from Montana. He presented the potential investment interest in the Ogosta Dam and answered people’s questions.
‘The state has not made any commitments so far, but on the basis of the expressed interest a working group has been formed to study the possibilities of implementing such a project in Bulgaria,’ Minister Nikola Stojanov said.
He also explained that at this stage the principle hypothesis for placing photovoltaics on the water surface is being analysed, not specifically for the Ogosta dam. In his words, at the moment it is clear that legal changes will be needed if this direction is followed. ‘We will have to wait for the formation of the National Assembly and for it to consider concrete proposals. However, it is important that people have information. That is why it was very important for me to personally answer all your questions,’ Minister Stojanov said.
The Economy Minister stressed that in an election situation people’s fears are being taken unfair advantage of. ‘The local people will have the last word whether such a project should be implemented at the Ogosta dam or in the region in general’, Nikola Stojanov emphasized. He noted the fact that more and more countries, not only in Europe but also in the world, are building such projects and this is emerging as a global model in the field of renewable energy.
‘We are studying the global experience and will highlight the good and workable solutions,’ Minister Stojanov added. He explained that there is a trend and more companies want to invest in locations that have on-site renewable energy. ‘In the future, the regions with such capacities will be more attractive for investors,’ the economic minister added.
More than 200 people came today to talk with the Minister of Economy and Industry Nikola Stojanov in Montana.