ContourGlobal completed commissioning of Europe’s first grid-connected battery energy storage system (BESS) on May 29, in Bulgaria. This remarkable system has a total capacity of 500 megawatt-hours (MWh). This important development is located near the region of Stara Zagora. Updated geographically, this wonderfully energetic city protects its status as a vital hub for industry and energy in the nation.
Materials were printed in their 25,000 square-meter, state-of-the-art facility. So, first and foremost, it’s strategically located smack dab in the footprint of the old, existing ME3 TPP coal-fired power plant. The BESS includes technology from BYD, including 110 battery skids. The facility consists of a total of 28 integrated power conversion system and transformer units.
Antonio Cammisecra, the CEO of ContourGlobal, was on hand for the commissioning ceremony. Within the context, he underscored his company’s commitment to expand the innovative energy storage infrastructure in Bulgaria. Now the stand-alone 202MW / 1010MWh BESS plant is fully operational. It was the first to get involved in the national electricity market’s day-ahead and intraday segments.
“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,” stated Cammisecra.
The opening ceremony was attended by Bulgaria’s Minister of Energy, Zhecho Stankov. The Deputy Mayor of Galabovo, Eng. This virtual signing will be an important application of ContourGlobal’s sustainability strategy as the Company increases its renewables footprint across the region.
ContourGlobal isn’t just coasting on the success of their first solar project. The company is currently constructing a second 202MW Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) at the same location to jumpstart its phase two expansion plans. Cammisecra also noted the company’s growing involvement in battery energy storage. He explained that this project is most of the keystone of their portfolio, which aims at 3 gigawatt-hours (GWh) of operating BESS projects.