News Synopsis
CATL, a China-based company that manufactures batteries and supplies energy storage technologies, has signed a deal with Bulgaria-based Solarpro Technology AD for launching a 602 MWh battery energy storage system (BESS). This project has been launched into commercial operation and now constitutes the biggest battery energy storage system in Bulgaria and in Eastern Europe.
Solarpro Technology AD served as the engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) contractor, overseeing project delivery and system integration. The collaboration between CATL and Solarpro enabled the large-scale facility to be commissioned efficiently while meeting the operational requirements of Bulgaria's power system.
It is worth mentioning that the Burgas project is very important for Bulgaria's transition to alternative energy. According to CATL, this new system increases the country's total energy storage system capacity by 10%. The battery system is designed to absorb excess renewable electricity during periods of high generation and discharge power when demand increases, helping balance fluctuations from renewable energy sources.
The initiative assists in the development of wind and solar energy in Bulgaria through the provision of energy storage systems that can provide rapid response and help to make the grids reliable. With the increasing renewable energy production in Eastern Europe, battery energy storage has become very crucial in maintaining secure electricity grids.
The facility is equipped with CATL's TENER energy storage system, described by the company as the world's first 6 MWh-class zero-degradation energy storage solution. The platform is designed to provide high energy density, advanced safety features and long-term operational performance making it suitable for utility-scale grid applications. Its large-capacity design also reduces the number of battery containers required for large projects, improving installation efficiency and lowering overall system complexity.
However, apart from the Burgas facility, CATL and Solarpro Technology AD plan to cooperate further within the region. It is noted that both organizations expressed their desire to intensify the cooperation in terms of battery storage projects for the next two years as many countries continue their efforts towards renewable energy usage and grid modernization.
The launch of the Burgas BESS proves that battery storage facilities become increasingly popular within the European energy sector. With the combination of efficient batteries and EPC services at large scale, the project contributes not only to the better energy security but also reinforces Bulgaria's position in the emerging battery storage market in Eastern Europe.