Considering the increasingly large-scale introduction of new power generation capacities from renewable energy sources, there is a need to perform a thorough analysis of their role, both individually and as an element of the overall system generating the energy mix of the Republic of Bulgaria. Therefore, the NEO EAD team conducts studies together with top Bulgarian and foreign universities and industry associations regarding the possibilities of supporting the development of the RES sector, including by constructing electricity storage capacity using traditional and innovative technologies. Simultaneously, the possibilities for the implementation of the projects under various national and European financial instruments are being explored.
NEO EAD is a major participant in the process of preparing technical and economic analyzes together with the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development and the European Investment Bank of the suitable storage systems tailored to the needs of the electricity system in Bulgaria.
Various established and newly developed technologies are the subject of research: Pumped storage hydro power plants, systems for energy storage through various batteries, hydrogen plants, systems for converting electricity into thermal energy and vice versa, etc. When choosing an engineering solution, the top criterion is the possibility of priority use of a Bulgarian resource, such as utilization of available water energy potential, existing facilities, technical staff and experience in building energy facilities. In Bulgaria, there is a built and suitable electricity transmission infrastructure, whose security with energy resources from renewable sources occupies an increasingly large share. In this regard, additionally depending on the scale of consumption and production on a regional basis, the balancing of the system should be ensured including minimization of any transmission losses.