Battery realization for BGN 1.2 billion. Recovery plan is in question

The realization of energy storage batteries, part of the recovery plan – Restore, is in question. The budget of the project is BGN 1.2 billion, and the Minister of Energy Zhecho Stankov said during the BLITS control in the line energy committee that it was « worried » and cannot guarantee its implementation. The reason is that there is no funding – the second payment for the European instrument is still missing, and for the state budget the amount seems unbearable.

The interest in the procedure was high – according to data from the Ministry of Economy since December, when the application period had expired, 151 companies had submitted proposals for approximately BGN 5 billion. This was also one of the major opportunities for implementation in Bulgaria of energy storage systems to solve the problems with the irregular production of renewable sources.

« There is still no certain funding from Europe. I cannot guarantee whether the projects will be implemented. 1.2 billion BGN is something difficult we can take. In general, there are no secured funds. Now I am personally worried about the implementation of these projects, » the minister said.

He did not give details whether the candidates were already ranked and had contracts. The delay in the scheme is huge, even more so given that projects should be ready by March 2026.

The minister reminded that among the changes in the scheme it was expanded so that more companies could be eligible, and its volume increased by 50%.

Another of the business programs – for photovoltaic batteries, all contracts have already been signed, although it also has no funding provided. The minister explained this with the fact that the companies have already been signed the contracts when he has taken office and in order to avoid discrimination, other contracts have been signed. This program is BGN 400 million.

Liberalization of current

Energy Minister Zhecho Stankov did not answer one of the main questions during his Blitz control, namely whether the liberalization of the household electricity will come into force from July 1. The energy minister transferred the ball and power to the National Assembly.

He recalled that several bills are « hanging » in parliament for a second postponement of liberalization. They are GERB and the BSP respectively and were imported before the government was formed.

Zhecho Stankov added that the agency is currently negotiating with the European Commission on the topic.

« Toplofikatsiya Sofia »

The Minister also briefly commented on the debt of Toplofikatsiya Sofia to the public gas supplier « Bulgargaz » for about 1.6 billion levs. He announced that he had two failed meetings with Sofia Mayor Vasil Terziev on the topic, and now there is a third. The minister added that this was one of the reasons for the difficult financial situation of Bulgargaz together with the contract with Botash.

« But Bulgargaz will never leave » District Sofia « without gas, the minister added.