Bulgaria builds energy storage power station

How many project proposals were submitted in Bulgaria's energy storage procurement procedure?

A total of 151 project proposals were submitted in Bulgaria’s standalone energy storage procurement procedure named RESTORE, which is seeking to support the construction and commissioning of renewable energy storage facilities with a cumulative minimum usable capacity of 3 GWh.

How much money has Bulgaria received for energy projects?

The Ministry of Energy of Bulgaria has received 151 project proposals worth nearly BGN 5 billion ($2.7 billion), more than four times the available funding.

Is Bulgaria a profitable market for power arbitrage?

With energy storage systems in place, Bulgaria is seen as a potentially profitable market for power arbitrage within the European Union. The government is focusing on energy storage as a key component of the country’s energy transition.

When will a Bulgarian electricity project be implemented?

The investments under the procedure must be implemented and the facilities connected to the electricity transmission and distribution networks on the territory of Bulgaria and put into operation by March 2026. In May 2025, the degree of maturity of the projects and their implementation will be checked.

Will battery energy storage be added to Vacha 1 Hydropower Plant?

The pilot project for adding battery energy storage to the Vacha 1 hydropower plant, reconstructed in 2023, is planned for completion by the end of the year, the article reads. The 14 MW facility was built in 1933. Vacha 1 is part of the Dospat-Vacha cascade in Bulgaria’s south. The battery segment would be 10 MWh.

Will Nek add battery storage capacity at other hydropower plants?

In addition to the Vacha 1 pilot project, NEK is planning to add significant battery storage capacity at other hydropower plants. The Devin hydropower plant (88 MW), located upstream from Vacha 1, is set to receive a BESS with a minimum capacity of 56.4 MWh, at an investment of EUR 13.2 million.