Close up of Hanovo Botevo Skalitsa canal.
The canal diverts water from the Tundzha river to supply the additional demand for cooling in
the Maritsa Iztok complex. The continued operation of the energy complex in the future may induce serious water stress on the Tundzha river through the diversion to keep a cooling reservoir constantly available.

The coal-power energy sector is using enormous amounts of fresh water which is projected to negatively affect lives and the ecological balance of the surrounding region. This is the conclusion of the new report published by Greenpeace Bulgaria, exposing a deep link between water use, energy generation, and climate change.