International Power Supply AD plans an unprecedented investment of around 180 million euros in three strategic projects for producing modern energy batteries, announced CEO Alexander Rangelov in an exclusive interview.
The BG EXERON X-BESS project received strategic status under the European Commission's Net Zero Industry Act (NZIA) Regulation. This status underscores the exceptional significance of the Bulgarian development in the context of the European green transition.
The first production base in Chelopechene will be officially opened on September 17, with the current investment amounting to 4.5 million euros from shareholders' own funds. In parallel, a second building is being constructed, which will expand the annual capacity from 3 to 4 gigawatt-hours by the first quarter of 2026.
The third ambitious project is a robotized factory, whose design should be completed by the end of this year. Construction will continue for at least a year and a half, with the total investment expected to reach 155 million euros.
The potential location for the new factory is still being discussed. Among the options being considered are Kyustendil region, the area around Varna and Burgas. The choice will be based on criteria such as access to railway infrastructure, electrical capacity, and terrain parameters.
Around 350 jobs are planned in the three production bases, with 10 percent being for highly qualified specialists. The average salary will be above the average for Sofia city.
The company has a rich 36-year history, founded by Rangelov's father - a Technical University graduate. Initially, the company specialized in developing UPS systems for the banking sector, and subsequently expanded its activities in the field of microgrid technologies.
The battery systems produced will find application in various sectors - from electricity distribution and industrial enterprises to data centers and defense. They will help balance the electrical grid, frequency regulation, and integration of renewable energy sources.
Experts predict that Bulgaria needs energy storage systems with a capacity between 10 and 15 gigawatt-hours. The return on such investments is expected to be up to three years, with consumers experiencing direct benefits through lower electricity bills.
The project's inclusion in the European Commission's strategic register is a key recognition of the Bulgarian company's full production cycle - from cell to complete system, which distinguishes it from most European manufacturers relying on imported components.
Rangelov emphasizes that this success positions Bulgaria in a leading position for energy technology production and creates potential for a regional technological hub in Southeast Europe.