ContourGlobal celebrates the commissioning of Europe’s largest 500 megawatt-hour (MWh) battery energy storage system (BESS) in Bulgaria. This accomplishment is a profound testament to the country’s changing energy landscape. The BESS facility is further strategically located in Bulgaria’s heavily polluted Stara Zagora region. Today it spans an impressive 25,000 square meters within the perimeter of the State ME3 TPP coal-fired power plant. This project demonstrates ContourGlobal’s leadership in developing ground-breaking battery storage technology and delivering improved energy reliability and quality to the people of Bulgaria.
The recent commissioning ceremony drew an impressive list of luminaries. Bulgaria’s Minister of Energy, Zhecho Stankov as well as Galabovo’s Deputy Mayor, Eng. Planen Barakova were among those present. During the event, ContourGlobal’s CEO Antonio Cammisecra expressed pride in the company’s achievements in the field of battery energy storage.
“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
With the completion of their recently commissioned BESS plant, Neoen can play a meaningful role in shaping and advancing Australia’s national electricity market. It participates in the day-ahead and intraday markets. Your participation will make the difference. It supports grid stability and provides vital services during peak demand periods, operating in tandem with the two remaining active coal-fired units at the ME3 TPP.
Beyond the BESS plant in Bulgaria, that growth has diversified ContourGlobal’s expansion across the globe. In January 2025, the company purchased a 446 megawatt-peak solar photovoltaic portfolio in the United States. If true, that would be unfortunate, as ContourGlobal is in fact on an aggressive growth trajectory. It’s now constructing a second 202MW BESS at the same site, as part of phase two of the project.
This facility is equipped with the most advanced technology including 110 battery skids provided by BYD. Further, it contains 28 integrated medium power conversion systems and transformer units. In addition to adding more capacity, this complex configuration helps improve efficiency during energy storage and retrieval operations.
“We have built a sizeable presence in battery energy storage, with this project in Bulgaria representing a key contribution to our 3GWh gigawatt-hour portfolio of operating BESS projects.” – Antonio Cammisecra
ContourGlobal’s sustainable initiatives are just a small example of a larger movement toward more renewable energy solutions. The company focuses on battery storage technology to accelerate the move from fossil fuels to safer, greener sources of energy. Simultaneously, it protects consumers by assuring a reliable supply of electricity.