New Tenders, Grid Transformation, and Renewables Innovations: Bulgaria Bets on Batteries, Modern Grids, and Energy Efficiency

In 2025, Bulgaria is strategically focusing on expanding capacity in the renewable energy sector and promoting flexible energy solutions. Within the Recovery and Resilience Plan alone, funding is planned for 1.7 GW of new solar capacity, which will practically double the installed photovoltaic systems in the country. To achieve these goals, six consecutive national tenders for the construction of renewable energy sources will be held – the first of which has already attracted interest from 28 companies.

Investments in energy storage are becoming crucial: under the RESTORE program of the Ministry of Energy, nearly €600 million is allocated for the introduction of storage systems with a useful capacity of at least 3,000 MWh. "This will provide flexibility for the grid, solving problems with balancing large renewable energy plants and supporting the planned integration of new capacities," commented Minister Vladimir Malinov.

The national electricity grid operator will receive support of €185 million from the European Commission to implement projects for the integration of at least 7,000 MW of renewable energy capacity by 2026, including "smart" substations and new distribution nodes. The company itself will invest an additional €135 million, relying on financing from the EBRD and the EU.

Investments are not limited to new construction: from January 1, 2025, energy efficiency standards for new and renovated buildings were tightened, the energy class assessment is now a decisive factor in real estate transactions, and the republican fund for sustainable cities finances projects to modernize lighting and heating in public buildings.

Through the implementation of these policies, Bulgaria is strengthening its position as one of the fastest-developing countries in terms of renewable energy in Europe. "It is expected that by the end of 2026, the share of green energy in the national mix will exceed 30%, and the capacity for flexible storage will set new standards in the country's energy security," analysts emphasize.