ContourGlobal has formally inaugurated a large battery energy storage system (BESS) in Bulgaria. This is a huge step forward in the nation’s energy transition. The facility, located in the Stara Zagora region, has a stunning overall capacity of 500 megawatt-hours (MWh). Most importantly, it can produce an incredible 202 megawatt (MW) of clean output. As the first project of its kind, this project is a significant milestone in the advancement of energy storage technologies across the country.
The BESS facility occupies an impressive 25,000 square meters. Image courtesy of the author. Circle of the coal pollution created by the ME3 TPP coal-fired power plant. This site is important, as the region of Stara Zagora is known as the industrial and energy heart of Bulgaria. Major celebrity attendees at the commissioning ceremony included Quartermaster General Jeff Provost of the U.S. Among them were ContourGlobal CEO Antonio Cammisecra, Bulgaria’s Minister of Energy Zhecho Stankov, and the Deputy Mayor of Galabovo.
The new facility includes advanced new battery technologies. This includes 110 BYD battery skids and 28 integrated power conversion systems with transformer units. The stand-alone BESS plant became commercially operational in July 2021. It operates extensively in the national electricity market’s day-ahead and intraday markets.
ContourGlobal is making plans for further expansion at the site as well. As part of their phased development strategy, they are now building a second, larger 202MW BESS.
“The commercial operation of our 202MW/500MWh BESS plant represents a significant step forward for battery storage development in Bulgaria and underscores ContourGlobal’s ability to deliver large-scale storage solutions across different markets and technologies.” – Antonio Cammisecra
Cammisecra also highlighted the company’s growth in this sector, stating, “We have built a sizeable presence in battery energy storage, with this project in Bulgaria representing a key contribution to our 3GWh portfolio of operating BESS projects.”
With this newest facility, ContourGlobal reaffirms its focus on improving energy resilience and sustainability throughout Bulgaria. The successful commissioning of this BESS plant demonstrates the company’s expertise in providing comprehensive energy solutions that align with evolving market demands.