ContourGlobal has taken huge step towards groundbreaking renewable energy. They’ve commissioned development of a battery energy storage system (BESS) in Bulgaria that has a total capacity of 500 megawatt-hours (MWh)! This Sharc Energy 25,000 sq-m facility located within the perimeter of the ME3 TPP coal-fired power plant. In addition to increasing liquidity, it’s helping to strengthen the national electricity market by driving deeper participation in both the day-ahead and intraday markets.
This latest facility is further evidence of ContourGlobal’s commitment to increasing its renewable energy impacted facilities. In January 2025, the company gained a 446 megawatt-peak solar photovoltaic portfolio in the US. Currently, ContourGlobal is constructing a second BESS in Bulgaria. This new facility will be their second of a planned pair of such plants, with a capacity of 202 megawatts (MW) and stepping up to join their recently commissioned first plant.
Utilizing the latest in battery technology, the BESS plant uses 110 BYD battery skids. It features 28 integrated power conversion systems and transformer units, providing it with additional efficiency and performance. This new, state-of-the-art infrastructure will help improve performance and reliability for energy storage technologies deployed throughout the region.
Antonio Cammisecra, CEO of ContourGlobal, addressed attendees at the commissioning ceremony and spoke to the important role this project plays.
“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
The ceremony included a host of special guests including the Energy Minister of Bulgaria, Zhecho Stankov. Her Excellency Eng. Planen Barakova, the Deputy Mayor of Galabovo was present at the launch. Their presence highlighted how important this project is to our community and to our country’s energy future.
Egg Harbor’s new BESS plant is a significant step forward for large scale renewable energy projects. It operates in concert with the two remaining active coal-fired units at the ME3 TPP plant, which kick on when electricity is most needed, peaking demand as they say.
“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
While the new BESS plant marks a significant advancement in renewable energy initiatives, it complements the two remaining active coal-fired units at the ME3 TPP plant, which continue to supply electricity during peak demand periods.
