This Human Rights Watch report documents the human and public health impacts of coal-fired power generation in Bulgaria, focusing on air pollution linked to the Maritsa 3 coal plant. It provides critical evidence on why coal transitions must prioritise both rapid emissions reductions and the protection of communities living near legacy coal infrastructure.
For Repower, this report underlines the real-world consequences of prolonged coal operation for communities living near coal plants. It reinforces the importance of transition pathways – such as repowering existing sites with clean, non-polluting technologies – that can rapidly eliminate harmful emissions while supporting workers, protecting local economies, and maintaining essential energy system functions.