Solar Land Disputes in Bulgaria: Agrivoltaics and Protests

• Discover how Bulgaria is navigating land use disputes for solar power projects in Novo Selo, Ledenik, Kardzhali, Vratsa and Vishovgrad. Learn how Eurohold is addressing environmental concerns and prosumers.

In Bulgaria, two major solar power projects are facing land use disputes. In Novo Selo, the mayor is refusing to give clearance for a photovoltaic project on pastures without a comprehensive public discussion.In Ledenik, there have been protests and meetings, but the local authorities agreed to change the purpose of 26.7 hectares of municipal land to enable the construction of a solar power plant. In Kardzhali, the city council is about to vote on a project for a photovoltaic plant in the village of Ostrovica on 31.2 hectares of municipal land. Eurohold introduced a wide set of environmental protection measures and promised to allow locals to keep using the land for the same purpose for its 100 MW facility. In Vratsa, a proposal for a green hydrogen facility and solar park on municipal land is under consideration. Meanwhile, villagers are protesting against a similar project in Vishovgrad. All parties agree that the framework for prosumers and energy communities remains incomplete in Bulgaria.

Is Bulgaria Resolving Land Disputes for Solar Projects?

• In Novo Selo, the mayor is refusing to give clearance for a photovoltaic project on pastures without a comprehensive public discussion.
• In Ledenik, local authorities agreed to change the purpose of 26.7 hectares of municipal land to enable the construction of a solar power plant.
• In Kardzhali, the city council is about to vote on a project for a photovoltaic plant in the village of Ostrovica on 31.2 hectares of municipal land.
• Eurohold introduced a wide set of environmental protection measures and promised to allow locals to keep using the land for the same purpose for its 100 MW facility.
• In Vratsa, a proposal for a green hydrogen facility and solar park on municipal land is under consideration.
• Villagers are protesting against a similar project in Vishovgrad.
• The framework for prosumers and energy communities remains incomplete in Bulgaria.
• Legal aid organizations have raised concerns about the lack of transparency and community consultation in the land acquisition process.
• An open process that engages local stakeholders is essential for the successful development and implementation of solar projects in Bulgaria.
• The local government should ensure that all parties are informed about their rights and responsibilities when it comes to land use disputes.
  
• The government should also take steps to ensure that the rights of local residents regarding land acquisition and compensation are respected.