Czech company to build Bulgaria’s largest solar power plant

Construction of the power plant, named St. George, in northeastern Bulgaria is expected to begin by the end of this year. It is scheduled for completion in early 2025. Once completed, it will be Bulgaria’s largest solar power plant.

Construction will be handled by Czech company Rezolv Energy, as reported by CEEnergy News. The company is an independent renewable energy producer focusing mainly on Central and Southeastern Europe. It has secured the rights to build and operate a 229 MW solar power plant, which will be located in the municipality of Silistra.

"Solar energy will account for nearly 13 % of Bulgaria’s total installed capacity this year," said Alastair Hammond, chief operating officer of Rezolv Energy.

The Czech company aims for its projects to help Bulgaria meet its renewable energy targets and contribute to its energy independence. The St. George power plant will be built on the site of the former decommissioned Silistra airport. The plant will cover 165 hectares and the project will include nearly 400,000 solar panels.

With average annual electricity generation of 313 GWh, the plant will produce the equivalent of 13 % of the output of all solar power plants in Bulgaria, based on current data. The plant will be connected to the main 110 kV transmission grid via two connections with a combined length of approximately 6 kilometres. Electricity will be sold to commercial and industrial users through long-term power purchase agreements.

Bulgaria is among the European regions with significant energy poverty. This is also why it remains a country heavily dependent on fossil fuels, including imported ones. In 2022, fossil fuels accounted for nearly 70% of primary energy production. The country mainly consumes coal (73 TWh), oil products (61.5 TWh) and natural gas (27 TWh). Solar power plants generated only 5 TWh of electricity in 2022. The St. George plant will therefore be a significant addition to the country’s solar fleet.