Aurubis: Predictable regulations and affordable energy are key factors for sustainable industry transition

The industry's transition to decarbonisation requires not only large investments but also a predictable and supportive regulatory framework at both European and national level. This was highlighted by Vedrana Lemor, Head of Corporate Sustainability at the Aurubis Group, during the Green Transition Forum 5.0.

Lemor participated in a high-level discussion on decarbonisation of the industry with European Commission Executive Vice President Theresa Ribera, Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov, Environment and Water Minister Manol Genov and European Parliament Member Dan Nika. From the industry side participated the General Manager of Dundee Precious Metals - Chelopech Irena Tsakova and Konstantin Bozhinov from Heidelberg Matirials - Devnya.

"We want to be clean and competitive - to produce in Europe, reduce our footprint and create jobs at the same time. We have proven that we can invest in sustainable production. But to ensure the transition, this needs to be a joint industry and policy commitment and requires clear funding and access to competitively priced energy. Lasting prosperity is only possible with a united effort," underlined Lemoore. She emphasized the need to recognize the role of stable baseload power users. Preserving and extending the Emissions Trading Scheme compensation mechanisms and their implementation in all Member States, including Bulgaria, is important. Lemore noted the need to develop functioning markets for long-term contracts and guarantees of origin in the country, with a possible solution being their expansion to neighbouring countries.

Vedrana Lemor and Ivailo Georgiev, Head of Sustainability and Public Relations at Aurubis Bulgaria, also participated in a closed meeting with the EC Vice President Teresa Ribera together with key business representatives.

The Green Transition Forum is the largest event on energy and industrial transformation in South East Europe and takes place in Sofia. Its fifth edition brought together over 350 leading participants from European and national institutions, business and science from 32 countries.