In a significant advancement for energy storage in Southeast Europe, renewable energy company Enery has successfully commissioned a large-scale battery energy storage system in southeastern Bulgaria. This facility, located near Nova Zagora, is now one of the largest operational storage installations in Central and Eastern Europe.
The newly established system boasts a total storage capacity of 601.8 MWh and an installed power output of 150 MW. Its primary function is to bolster power system stability by capturing excess electricity during periods of low demand and redistributing it during peak consumption times.
This facility is poised to play a crucial role in facilitating the ongoing growth of renewable energy sources within Bulgaria, while also aiding in the reduction of dependence on fossil fuel-generated electricity. Such developments are essential as nations strive to transition to more sustainable energy practices.
The battery storage system connects directly to the national transmission network through a newly built 33/110-kV substation. It comprises 120 battery units, each with an approximate capacity of 5 MW, which together create a modular structure that allows for adaptable operations and efficient energy management.
The operational management of this facility will be conducted under a virtual power purchase agreement (VPPA) with Vitol, a global player in energy and commodities trading. This arrangement aims to ensure effective market integration and optimize the commercial viability of the stored energy.
The project’s financing was facilitated by a green lending package provided by DSK Bank, part of the Hungarian OTP Group. This underscores the financial sector’s commitment to supporting large-scale infrastructure projects aimed at energy transition.
The commissioning of the Nova Zagora battery storage project represents a pivotal moment in enhancing battery storage capacity across the region. As Southeastern European countries increasingly invest in modernizing their electricity systems, this development aligns with broader efforts to integrate higher proportions of renewable energy into national grids.
