Bulgaria’s €589M initiative for Energy storage
Bulgaria is making significant strides in Renewable Energy with a new €589 million EU-funded project. This ambitious initiative is designed to support the development of standalone Energy storage units, marking a crucial step towards enhancing the country's Energy infrastructure.
Launch of the RESTORE public call
The Ministry of Energy in Sofia has introduced the RESTORE public call for Energy storage facilities, inviting public consultation on the draft framework. The public debate is set to last for one month, leading up to the tender launch on 2nd September. This initiative is backed by the European Union’s Recovery and Resilience Facility, highlighting Bulgaria’s commitment to integrating more Renewable Energy into its grid.
Funding and capacity goals
The project aims to support at least 3 GWh of Energy storage capacity within Bulgaria's electricity transmission network, operated by the Electricity System Operator (ESO). With a total budget of €602 million, the programme will cover up to 50% of the costs for constructing and commissioning these storage facilities. The highest grant per applicant is capped at €75.9 million, with a maximum of €190,000 per MWh, excluding VAT.
Technical specifications
The tender targets individual projects with an operating power between 10 MW and 300 MW, and storage durations of at least two hours. This translates to capacities ranging from 20 MWh to 600 MWh. The selected Energy storage units will provide crucial services like primary and secondary frequency regulation, enhancing grid stability and efficiency.
Advancing Bulgaria's renewable energy goals
This initiative aligns with Bulgaria's broader strategy to boost Renewable Energy integration. By focusing on Energy storage, Bulgaria aims to address the variability of Renewable sources like wind and solar power. The project also builds on previous successful tenders for battery Energy storage systems (BESS), demonstrating Bulgaria's growing expertise and commitment to sustainable Energy solutions.
Reinforcing Bulgaria's leadership in Renewable Energy
Bulgaria’s €589 million Energy storage project represents a significant investment in the country’s Renewable Energy future. This initiative not only supports the national grid but also reinforces Bulgaria’s position as a leader in Renewable Energy in the Balkans.