Why is energy storage growing in Bulgaria?

Energy storage in Bulgaria is expanding rapidly as the government awards nearly 10 GWh of capacity to 82 projects, boosting renewable energy reliability and grid stability.

Does Bulgaria have a solar power plant?

Bulgaria has greenlit 249 proposals for the installation of renewable energy and battery storage capacity worth a total of BGN 526 million (USD 293.1m/EUR 268.9m) to receive funding under the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (NRRP). The Verila solar power plant in Bulgaria. Source: Electrohold Bulgaria.

How much money is needed for energy storage projects in Bulgaria?

The Ministry of Energy of Bulgaria prepared EUR 589 million in grants for standalone energy storage projects. The deadline for applications is November 21. With the surge in photovoltaic capacity, ambitious plans for renewables overall and a collapse in the coal power segment, Bulgaria needs urgent grid upgrades alongside energy storage.

When will energy storage systems be installed in Bulgaria?

The selected energy storage facilities must be put into operation by the end of March 2026. Authorities will check the status of every project in May 2025, the announcement reads. Bulgaria already held the first two tenders for battery energy storage systems (BESS) that would be integrated with renewable electricity plants.

Did Bulgaria's energy storage tender win more than 3 GWh?

Bulgaria’s standalone energy storage tender, which aimed to procure at least 3 GWh of cumulative usable capacity, ultimately awarded more than three times that amount. From ESS News

Does Bulgaria have a pumped hydropower plant?

Moreover, the country’s only pumped storage hydropower plant, Chaira, is still out of order. Bulgaria is developing a plan for another two large facilities of the kind. The Ministry of Energy acknowledged that it is issuing the public call for standalone energy storage units after a long delay.