Utility-scale storage expansion in 2025 and 2026
Bulgaria has emerged as Southeast Europe’s largest battery-storage market, shifting from a solar-heavy development model to a storage-led phase. The country added almost 3 GWh of battery storage during 2025, placing it among Europe’s five largest new markets. The pace has continued into 2026.
Solarpro Technology and CATL commissioned a 602 MWh facility in Burgas. The project marginally exceeded Enery’s 601.8 MWh battery installation at Nova Zagora. It is described as the largest operating battery installation in Eastern Europe.
Hybrid solar-plus-storage and new operating systems
OMV Petrom has taken a final investment decision on the Gabare hybrid project near Byala Slatina. The development combines approximately 415 MWp of solar capacity with a 600 MWh battery. Estimated investment totals €300 million, including around €100 million for storage.
The battery component is stated to represent roughly one-third of total project CAPEX. This is described as changing the asset from a simple solar generator into a dispatchable trading portfolio.
GEN-I has acquired three systems at Belovo, Momchilgrad and Parvomay with combined capacity of 30 MW/76 MWh. The acquisition increases its Bulgarian portfolio to 42 MW/100 MWh. Energo-Pro commissioned a 10.75 MW/24.31 MWh system at Gorna Oryahovitsa after investing €4.23 million.
China’s Sermatec brought a 10 MW/31 MWh project into commercial operation. These additions are presented as evidence of growing market depth alongside the broader build-out.
Restructuring plans and risks tied to funding timelines
Storage growth is occurring alongside politically sensitive restructuring within Bulgaria’s power sector. The government plans to separate Maritsa East Mines and Maritsa East 2 thermal power plant from Bulgarian Energy Holding. The assets would be placed in a new state enterprise.
Delays to the restructuring have placed more than €1 billion of Recovery and Resilience Plan and just-transition funding at risk.
Gas supply stability and regulated pricing in July
Sofia is discussing higher Azerbaijani gas deliveries through SOCAR, while the government has intervened to stabilise crude supplies to the Lukoil Neftochim Burgas refinery. July’s regulated gas price was set at €37.70/MWh. This is up 5.84% from June but below comparable international futures.
Next bottlenecks for batteries: grid access and revenue support
Bulgaria’s battery build-out is linked to balancing solar output and trading regional volatility. The next constraint is expected to shift from storage capacity toward grid availability, connection queues, and the ability of market revenues to support batteries once early subsidies and unusually wide intraday spreads begin to normalise.
