Fee gap between Bulgaria and Romania for industrial batteries
The Bulgarian Association of Electrical Engineering and Electronics (BASEL) says industrial batteries are subject to an environmental charge of around €2.81/kg. BASEL places the comparable rate in Romania at about €0.20/kg, describing the Bulgarian level as roughly 14 times higher. The association links the issue to the expansion of battery-storage investment.
Bulgaria’s storage buildout raises the cost impact of weight-based charges
Bulgaria’s battery-storage market has expanded from almost no capacity at the beginning of 2024 to approximately 8.6 GWh by May 2026. BASEL says a fee that was previously a minor regulatory expense can become a significant cost across utility-scale installations as projects scale up. The association’s comments frame the charge as increasingly material for developers.
BASEL proposal for lithium-ion rates and chargeable components
BASEL is proposing a dedicated rate of €0.30/kg for lithium-ion batteries used in stationary storage. The association also wants the calculation limited to battery cells and modules rather than total project weight. It cites that project weight can include containers, inverters, transformers, cables, cooling equipment, and fire-protection systems.
Changes sought for solar equipment fees and enforcement on undeclared equipment
Alongside battery-specific adjustments, BASEL is seeking lower fees for solar modules and inverters. The association argues that environmental charges should better reflect collection, treatment, and end-of-life recycling costs. BASEL also calls for stricter enforcement against companies placing equipment on the market without declaring it or paying required charges.
Status of amendments to Bulgaria’s product-fee ordinance
Bulgaria’s Environment and Water Ministry published a revised version of amendments to the product-fee ordinance on 17 August. Battery charges were excluded from that package, with expectations that they will be addressed separately. No timetable has been provided for the separate treatment of battery-related fees.
