Bulgaria’s installed battery storage reached approximately 3.3 GW of power and 8.6 GWh of capacity by mid-2026. The expansion is intended to increase the system’s ability to absorb solar generation and provide electricity during higher-demand periods. Most of the added capacity is connected directly to the grid.
The build-out has increased flexibility in a market that remained a net electricity exporter during periods of tight southeastern European supply over the summer. With more storage available, daytime solar output can be shifted into later hours. This is expected to reduce curtailment and ease pressure on conventional generation when renewable production falls.
Recovery and Resilience Plan funding for storage and solar
Nearly €1 billion made available through Bulgaria’s Recovery and Resilience Plan has supported private investment into storage and renewable generation. Projects backed under the programme are expected to deliver approximately 3 GW of additional solar capacity and 15 GWh of battery storage. The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development has worked with Bulgaria’s Energy Ministry since 2023 on competitive support programmes.
The programmes cover standalone batteries as well as storage paired with other energy assets. Separately, the bank has invested €520 million in 23 Bulgarian green energy transactions since 2023. Those projects support approximately 732 MW of renewable capacity and are expected to reduce annual emissions by about 920,000 tonnes.