Solar plus storage project financing options in Bulgaria 2030

How much money is needed for energy storage projects in Bulgaria?

The Ministry of Energy of Bulgaria prepared EUR 589 million in grants for standalone energy storage projects. The deadline for applications is November 21. With the surge in photovoltaic capacity, ambitious plans for renewables overall and a collapse in the coal power segment, Bulgaria needs urgent grid upgrades alongside energy storage.

When will energy storage systems be installed in Bulgaria?

The selected energy storage facilities must be put into operation by the end of March 2026. Authorities will check the status of every project in May 2025, the announcement reads. Bulgaria already held the first two tenders for battery energy storage systems (BESS) that would be integrated with renewable electricity plants.

How big is Bulgaria's solar PV capacity in 2024?

At the close of 2024, Bulgaria’s solar PV capacity had already reached 3.91 GW—an annual increase of over 1 GW. These developments come on the heels of Bulgaria’s first renewable energy auction held in late 2024, where more than 3 GW of generation and 1.176 GW of storage capacity were secured.

Why is energy storage growing in Bulgaria?

Energy storage in Bulgaria is expanding rapidly as the government awards nearly 10 GWh of capacity to 82 projects, boosting renewable energy reliability and grid stability.

How much money does the NRRP provide for energy projects in Bulgaria?

Under the RESTORE initiative, launched through Bulgaria’s National Recovery and Resilience Plan (NRRP), the Ministry of Energy has selected 82 projects that will collectively receive BGN 1.15 billion (approximately $675 million) in public funding.

How will the selected storage systems be distributed in Bulgaria?

The selected storage systems will be geographically distributed across Bulgaria and connected either to the national transmission grid or local distribution networks. All awarded projects must be operational by March 2026.