# Bulgarian energy export and storage expansion

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/bulgarian-energy-export-and-storage-expansion
> Updated: 2026-10-22T08:21:54.000Z. Sources: 20. Developments: 2.

Bulgaria has become a major energy exporter in the Balkans by rapidly expanding its solar energy and battery energy storage systems (BESS). This growth allows the country to capitalize on a regional drought in Eastern Europe that has disrupted hydroelectric and nuclear power production.

During July and August, Bulgaria recorded net electricity exports of approximately 830 GWh per month, which is more than double the average seen in May and June. These exports were valued at roughly 74 million euros. By September, the nation possessed an operational battery storage capacity of about 5.7 GW, representing nearly one-quarter of its total installed generation capacity. This expansion involves repurposing old industrial sites, airports, and existing power plants, such as disconnecting coal units at the Maritsa East 3 plant to connect battery storage to the grid.

By October, Bulgaria’s electricity storage capacity had doubled to approximately 6 GW within a single year, a development driven by roughly €700 million in European Union funding and regulatory changes attracting private investment. This growth has earned the country the nickname ‘Battery of the Balkans’. Consequently, electricity exports rose by 62% compared to the previous year, reaching 3.5 TWh, providing critical support to neighbors like Romania during summer heatwaves. Nikola Gazdov, chairman of the Association for Production, Storage and Trading of Electricity (APSTE), stated that battery storage has transitioned from a “desirable option to a necessity.”

## Claims

- Bulgaria's electricity exports rose by 62% to 3.5 TWh compared to the previous year. (corroborated by 7 sources)
- The expansion was supported by approximately €700 million in EU funding. (corroborated by 7 sources)
- Bulgarian electricity exports helped supply Romania during periods of drought and heatwaves. (corroborated by 6 sources)
- Bulgaria's battery storage capacity increased from 3 GW to approximately 6 GW in one year. (corroborated by 5 sources)
- Nikola Gazdov stated that battery storage is a necessity rather than a luxury. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Electricity consumption in Bulgarian households rose by 19.84% in the first half of October compared to September 2026. (corroborated by 3 sources)

## Timeline

### 2026-10-22: Bulgaria doubles battery storage capacity to 6 GW

Bulgaria has doubled its battery storage capacity to 6 GW, fueled by €700 million in EU funding, driving a 62% increase in electricity exports to neighboring Balkan nations.

12 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/electrohold-and-evn-report-rising-electricity-consumption-in-bulgaria

### 2026-09-24: Bulgaria expands energy storage to boost electricity exports

Bulgaria is leveraging rapid battery storage and solar expansion to export electricity, earning millions as regional droughts disrupt traditional power production.

5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/bulgaria-expands-energy-storage-to-boost-electricity-exports

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Cite as: Bulgarian energy export and storage expansion. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/bulgarian-energy-export-and-storage-expansion