Maritsa Iztok Complex, Power plant complex in Stara Zagora Province and Sliven Province, Bulgaria.
The Maritsa Iztok Complex is a large facility spread across two provinces with three thermal power stations operating together. These stations burn lignite coal extracted from adjacent mines, with enrichment plants and rail connections supporting the entire operation.
The complex began development in the 1950s based on lignite deposits that were first discovered in the 1800s. This expansion shaped the industrial growth of the region for many decades that followed.
The complex has long been a major employer shaping daily life for thousands of residents across the region. The industrial facilities form part of local identity, showing how people built their economic foundation.
This facility spans a wide area across multiple sites linked by roads and rail infrastructure. The complex is not open for casual visits due to safety requirements, though portions may be visible from nearby roads and viewpoints.
Each power station draws coal from its own associated mines, creating a closed system where fuel never travels far between extraction and burning. This direct link between mining and power generation makes the operation remarkably self-contained.
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