Bulgaria expands energy storage to boost electricity exports

Bulgaria has emerged as a significant energy exporter in the Balkans by rapidly expanding its solar energy and battery energy storage systems (BESS). This development has allowed the country to capitalize on an unprecedented drought in Eastern Europe, which lowered Danube River levels and disrupted hydroelectric and nuclear power production across the region.

In July and August, Bulgaria recorded net electricity exports of approximately 830 GWh per month, more than double its May and June average. These exports were valued at roughly 74 million euros. As of September, the country possessed an operational battery storage capacity of about 5.7 GW, representing nearly one-quarter of its total installed generation capacity and over five times the operational battery capacity of neighboring Romania.

The transition involves repurposing old industrial sites, airports, and existing power plants. For example, at the Maritsa East 3 plant—formerly Bulgaria’s second-largest coal-fired station—operators have disconnected coal units to connect battery storage to the existing grid infrastructure.