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Bulgaria Launches 200 MW Rooftop Solar Push
Bulgaria has the potential to deploy 200 MW of solar capacity on building roofs across the country in the next few years, according to the managing director of the Sustainable Energy Development Agency (SEDA). Last month, Bulgaria implemented changes to its renewable energy legislation in order to support the expansion of green energy and encourage private households to adopt it.The technical potential for rooftop solar installations in the Balkan country is estimated at about 2 million square metres, with the deployment of such systems concentrated in urban areas. These installations could have a significant effect on households, and there is a need to harmonise numerous existing regulations from various sectors in order to ensure the effective implementation of the amendments.
Could Bulgaria Deploy 200 MW of Solar on Rooftops?
SEDA estimates that about 2 million square metres of rooftop space are available for solar installations in Bulgaria.
The deployment of rooftop solar systems in the Balkan country could have a significant effect on households.
Changes to the renewable energy legislation in Bulgaria last month were a step towards encouraging private households to adopt green energy.
To ensure the effective implementation of the policy amendments, numerous existing regulations from various sectors must be harmonised.
Bulgaria could deploy up to 200 MW of solar capacity on building roofs in the next few years.
This could bring economic benefits in the form of job creation and cost savings.
Rooftop solar systems could also lead to greater energy security and independence for Bulgaria.
Nov 8, 2023 // Rooftop PV, Europe, Bulgaria
Bulgaria Opens First Renewables+Storage Tender
Government of Bulgaria has opened a public consultation on its first renewable energy tender programme, which includes a grant programme to subsidise the
Oct 9, 2023 // Storage, tender, Europe, Bulgaria
Bulgaria Issues 3,000-MWh Energy Storage Tender
Bulgaria has initiated a tender for 3,000 MWh of new energy storage capacity, supported by the EU, to enhance the integration of renewable sources like wind and solar into its energy mix. Interested applicants can seek grants totaling BGN 1.2 billion (approximately USD 683 million) by the November 21 deadline, with grants covering up to 50% of eligible costs.The tender, named "National infrastructure for storage of electricity from renewable sources" (RESTORE), is part of Bulgaria’s National Recovery and Resilience Plan. Applicants can submit multiple proposals, although total funding per entity is limited. The projects must be commissioned by March 2026.
How will Bulgaria's energy storage tender impact renewable energy integration and investment?
Enhanced Renewable Integration: The establishment of 3,000 MWh energy storage capacity will facilitate the smoother integration of intermittent renewable energy sources such as wind and solar. By storing excess energy generated during peak production times, Bulgaria can ensure more consistent energy availability, especially during periods of high demand or low generation.
Investment Incentives: The availability of grants covering up to 50% of eligible costs significantly lowers the financial barrier for investors. This could attract a range of stakeholders, including private companies, energy cooperatives, and foreign investors, potentially leading to increased capital inflows into Bulgaria’s renewable energy sector.
Support for Grid Stability: Energy storage systems can help mitigate issues related to grid stability by providing ancillary services such as frequency regulation, spin reserve, and demand response. This is particularly relevant for Bulgaria, where the incorporation of fluctuating renewable resources poses challenges to grid management.
Regional Energy Security: By boosting energy storage capacity, Bulgaria can enhance its energy independence and reduce reliance on fossil fuel imports. This plays a critical role in security of supply, especially amidst geopolitical tensions that affect energy markets in Europe.
Long-term Economic Growth: The investment in energy storage infrastructure could create jobs in construction, operation, and maintenance phases. This job creation can have a positive ripple effect on the local economy and foster a skilled workforce in the renewable energy sector.
Encouragement of Local Innovation: The tender could catalyze research and development in energy storage technologies, encouraging Bulgarian companies to innovate and develop homegrown solutions. This aligns with Bulgaria’s goals of transitioning to a more sustainable energy economy.
Alignment with EU Goals: By participating in this tender, Bulgaria is aligning itself with the European Union's overarching strategy to reach climate neutrality by 2050. This can bolster the country’s position in EU energy policy discussions and access to future funding for renewable projects.
Diverse Technology Participation: The open nature of the tender allows for a variety of energy storage technologies to be proposed, including lithium-ion batteries, pumped hydro storage, and innovative solutions such as compressed air energy storage. This diversity can lead to a more resilient energy system.
Potential for Regional Collaboration: The development of energy storage systems may foster collaboration with neighboring countries, enhancing cross-border energy trading and integration. Such cooperation could stabilize regional grids and lead to better utilization of renewable resources.
Meeting National Energy Targets: The integration of additional storage capacity can help Bulgaria meet its national renewable energy targets, contributing to EU-wide objectives and enhancing the country's reputation as a leader in renewable energy deployment in Southeast Europe.
Environmental and Social Benefits: Increased use of renewable energy and efficient storage solutions will help decrease Bulgaria's carbon footprint and move toward a more sustainable energy future. This shift can also improve public health by reducing air pollution associated with fossil fuels, benefiting communities across the nation.
Aug 22, 2024 // Storage, Europe, Bulgaria
Bulgaria May Add 4.9 GW of Renewable Energy by 2031
by the Electricity System Operator (ESO), the transmission authority of Bulgaria, the country is anticipated to see an increase of 5.9 GW in the overall
Mar 30, 2022 // Markets & Finance News, Solar Energy, Europe, nuclear power, hydropower, Renewable Energy, Wind Energy, Bulgaria, Electricity System Operator, ESO, ESO draft plan, onshore wind capacity
Bulgaria's 237MW Solar Park Starts Construction
has begun on the 237-MW Tenevo Solar Park in Bulgaria, which is the first phase of a large renewable energy complex. The next phase will add 250 MW of
Sep 20, 2023 // Plants, Europe, PV Power Plant, Bulgaria
Solar Land Disputes in Bulgaria: Agrivoltaics and Protests
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
Jul 20, 2023 // Plants, Europe, PV Power Plant, Bulgaria, Disputes
Rezolv Energy Surges Ahead with Massive Solar Power Projects in Bulgaria and Romania
Energy has received regulatory clearance for a 229 MW solar power project in Bulgaria, which would be the largest in the country. The company's minority partner in
Jan 12, 2024 // Plants, Large-Scale, Commercial, Europe, Romania, PV Power Plant, Bulgaria, Rezolv Energy
Sunny Future: Bulgaria's 123MW Solar Plant
Bulgaria AD has completed its photovoltaic project, the Verila solar power plant located on the southern slope of the Verila mountains near the village of
Jun 30, 2023 // Plants, Large-Scale, Commercial, Europe, PV Power Plant, Bulgaria, Eurohold Bulgaria AD
EBRD Supports Enery's Groundbreaking Solar Farm in Bulgaria
a loan of up to EUR 25 million for Enery's large-scale solar plant project in Bulgaria. The loan, provided by UniCredit Bulbank, will be used for the construction
Feb 8, 2024 // Plants, Commercial, EBRD, Europe, PV Power Plant, Bulgaria
Sunotec building 124 MWp solar park at hilly site in Bulgaria
southern of Sofia. According to Valentin Gospodinov, country manager for Bulgaria, the location of the solar project is one of one of the most daring in Europe.
Dec 19, 2022 // Plants, Europe, Bulgaria, Solar Park, Sunotec
Three Seas investment fund investing in owner of PV properties in Bulgaria
Development has a portfolio of 85 MW running possessions, of which 60 MW in Bulgaria, in addition to a 2 GW pipeline for solar power generation in Bulgaria,
Jun 14, 2021 // Markets & Finance News, Europe, PV Power Plant, Bulgaria, Three Seas
Bulgaria Greenlights €269M for Renewable Energy Projects
Bulgaria has approved 249 projects for renewable energy and battery storage, totaling approximately EUR 269 million, funded under the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (NRRP). This initiative is part of two calls: the first allocated BGN 107.5 million to 200 projects, enabling the construction of 435 MW of renewable facilities and 176 MW of battery storage. A waitlist holds 67 disqualified proposals worth BGN 44 million.The second call has a larger budget of BGN 427.5 million, supporting 49 projects that will install 2,660 MW of renewable energy parks and 1,000 MW of battery capacity. Successful projects from both calls are set for completion by March 31, 2026, and a separate tender is ongoing for an additional 3,000 MWh of energy storage units.
What key details emerge from Bulgaria's recent renewable energy project approvals?
Here are some key details that emerge from Bulgaria's recent renewable energy project approvals:
Investment Overview: The approved projects amount to a significant investment of approximately EUR 269 million, highlighting Bulgaria's commitment to expanding its renewable energy capacity.
Division of Funding: The projects are being financed through the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (NRRP), which is aimed at fostering economic recovery post-COVID-19 while enhancing sustainability.
Multiple Project Calls:
The first call had a budget of BGN 107.5 million, which successfully funded 200 projects focused on constructing 435 MW of renewable energy facilities and 176 MW of battery storage.
The second call had a larger budget of BGN 427.5 million, which supported 49 projects aimed at building 2,660 MW of renewable energy parks and an ambitious 1,000 MW of battery capacity.
Overall Capacity Expansion: If all the projects are completed as planned, these initiatives represent a substantial increase in Bulgaria’s renewable energy generation and storage capabilities, contributing significantly to the country's energy transition goals.
Timeline for Project Completion: The projects funded under both calls are expected to be operational by March 31, 2026, indicating a clear timeline for implementation that aims to meet the increasing energy demands and sustainability targets.
Waitlisted Proposals: There are 67 disqualified proposals currently on a waitlist, valued at BGN 44 million, reflecting the competitive nature of the funding process and the potential for future funding opportunities if conditions allow.
Ongoing Energy Storage Tender: In addition to the projects already approved, Bulgaria is holding a separate tender for an additional 3,000 MWh of energy storage units, emphasizing the country’s focus on enhancing its energy storage capabilities to support the renewable energy supply.
Strategic Focus on Battery Storage: The significant allocation for battery storage indicates a strategic emphasis on managing intermittency in renewable energy sources, thus ensuring a stable and reliable energy supply.
Impact on Local Economies: The approval of these projects is likely to have positive ripple effects on local economies, creating jobs during the construction phase and subsequently in operation and maintenance of these renewable facilities.
Alignment with EU Goals: Bulgaria's commitment to increasing renewable energy capacity aligns with the European Union's broader goals of reducing carbon emissions and moving towards a more sustainable energy system.
Potential for Future Projects: The success of these approvals could pave the way for additional projects, leading to a robust pipeline of renewable energy initiatives in Bulgaria, potentially attracting further investment and innovation in the sector.
Nov 4, 2024 // Plants, Large-Scale, Commercial, Europe, PV Power Plant, Bulgaria
Rezolv Begins Construction on Bulgaria's 225-MW Solar Project
George solar project, a significant 225-MW solar farm located in northeastern Bulgaria. This project marks a pivotal shift for the country, historically dependent on
Oct 30, 2024 // Plants, Europe, Solar Project, Bulgaria, Rezolv Energy
Steag, LSG total 66 MW solar park in Bulgaria, preparing to build another one
partner LSG has completed a solar plant with a peak capacity of 66 MW in Bulgaria. It is located in the municipality of Dalgo Post near Plovdiv.
More than
Oct 6, 2022 // Plants, Europe, Bulgaria, Solar Park, STEAG, LSG
Huasun to supply 1.5 GW of HJT modules in Bulgaria
heterojunction (HJ) modules for INERCOM's large-scale utility projects in Bulgaria.
The parties struck the deal on Monday after in 2021 Huasun provided 86 MW of
Apr 11, 2023 // Markets & Finance News, Europe, Bulgaria, HJT module, Huasun