Jan 12, 2026
ContourGlobal initiates a 500MWh battery storage project in Bulgaria.
ContourGlobal has launched a battery energy storage system (BESS) in Bulgaria, boasting a total capacity of 500 megawatt-hours (MWh).
The commissioning ceremony took place in the Stara Zagora region, a key industrial and energy hub, with attendance from ContourGlobal CEO Antonio Cammisecra, Bulgaria’s Minister of Energy Zhecho Stankov, and the Deputy Mayor of Galabovo, Eng. Planen Barakova.
Local officials and electricity sector representatives also participated in the event.
The independent 202MW BESS facility, developed by ContourGlobal, is now fully operational and participating in both the day-ahead and intraday segments of the national electricity market.
It enhances power dispatch, balances electricity supply and demand more effectively, and facilitates smoother integration of renewable energy sources, thereby improving overall grid stability and flexibility.
The ContourGlobal Maritsa BESS project received funding through the EU’s NextGenerationEU initiative as part of Bulgaria’s National Recovery and Resilience Plan.
The facility spans 25,000m² within the Maritsa East 3 (ME3 TPP) coal-fired power plant area, utilizing existing grid infrastructure for quicker deployment and seamless integration into Bulgaria’s power system.
The two remaining active coal-fired units at ME3 TPP continue to provide electricity during peak demand, ensuring the security of the country’s energy supply.
Cammisecra stated, “The commercial operation of our 202MW/500MWh BESS plant marks a significant advancement for battery storage development in Bulgaria and highlights ContourGlobal’s capability to deliver large-scale storage solutions across various markets and technologies.
“We have established a notable presence in battery energy storage, with this project in Bulgaria serving as an important addition to our 3GWh [gigawatt-hour] portfolio of operating BESS projects.”
The BESS facility is equipped with battery technology including 110 battery skids supplied by BYD and 28 integrated power conversion system and transformer units.
These systems convert direct current from the batteries to alternating current, enabling grid connection.
Building on this experience, ContourGlobal is currently working on a second 202MW BESS at the same location as part of its second phase.
In January 2025, ContourGlobal acquired a 446 megawatt-peak solar photovoltaic portfolio in the US.
The commissioning ceremony took place in the Stara Zagora region, a key industrial and energy hub, with attendance from ContourGlobal CEO Antonio Cammisecra, Bulgaria’s Minister of Energy Zhecho Stankov, and the Deputy Mayor of Galabovo, Eng. Planen Barakova.
Local officials and electricity sector representatives also participated in the event.
The independent 202MW BESS facility, developed by ContourGlobal, is now fully operational and participating in both the day-ahead and intraday segments of the national electricity market.
It enhances power dispatch, balances electricity supply and demand more effectively, and facilitates smoother integration of renewable energy sources, thereby improving overall grid stability and flexibility.
The ContourGlobal Maritsa BESS project received funding through the EU’s NextGenerationEU initiative as part of Bulgaria’s National Recovery and Resilience Plan.
The facility spans 25,000m² within the Maritsa East 3 (ME3 TPP) coal-fired power plant area, utilizing existing grid infrastructure for quicker deployment and seamless integration into Bulgaria’s power system.
The two remaining active coal-fired units at ME3 TPP continue to provide electricity during peak demand, ensuring the security of the country’s energy supply.
Cammisecra stated, “The commercial operation of our 202MW/500MWh BESS plant marks a significant advancement for battery storage development in Bulgaria and highlights ContourGlobal’s capability to deliver large-scale storage solutions across various markets and technologies.
“We have established a notable presence in battery energy storage, with this project in Bulgaria serving as an important addition to our 3GWh [gigawatt-hour] portfolio of operating BESS projects.”
The BESS facility is equipped with battery technology including 110 battery skids supplied by BYD and 28 integrated power conversion system and transformer units.
These systems convert direct current from the batteries to alternating current, enabling grid connection.
Building on this experience, ContourGlobal is currently working on a second 202MW BESS at the same location as part of its second phase.
In January 2025, ContourGlobal acquired a 446 megawatt-peak solar photovoltaic portfolio in the US.