The project positions Bulgaria on the global map for energy storage technology production
A Bulgarian project for the production of energy storage batteries has been granted strategic status under the European Commission’s Net Zero Industry Act (NZIA) – as part of the European Clean Technologies Initiative.
This was announced by the Minister of Economy and Industry, Peter Dilov, who took part in a ministerial meeting within the framework of the European Industrial Alliances for Batteries and Solar Energy, held in Brussels.
The meeting focused on the measures taken by EU Member States to stimulate the demand for sustainable and reliable batteries and solar photovoltaic systems, as well as on facilitating the implementation of the requirements of the Net Zero Industry Act (NZIA).
Minister Dilov emphasised that Bulgaria attaches great importance to initiatives that promote both local production and the recycling of batteries. According to him, integrating renewable energy sources with modern energy storage systems will be key to ensuring grid stability and balancing electricity supply and demand.
Dilov highlighted that the Ministry of Economy and Industry has supported the demand for sustainable batteries by giving a high evaluation to the first Bulgarian project for an innovative energy storage system under the Net Zero Industry Act (NZIA).
The Minister of Economy added that the innovative project has already been entered in the European Commission’s public register of strategic projects. The project, “BG EXERON X-BESS”, in the field of battery and energy storage technologies, is one of only six projects selected across Europe.
“This production will place Bulgaria on the global map for battery-based energy storage technologies, in full alignment with the objectives set out in the Regulation on Secure and Sustainable Supply of Net Zero Technologies, as well as with the expansion of manufacturing capacities and their supply chains,” Dilov commented.
The Minister of Economy and Industry emphasised that active efforts are underway to improve energy efficiency and the security of supply for Bulgarian industry, with particular attention given to net zero emission technologies.
Peter Dilov further noted that the high capital costs of battery manufacturing projects could be offset through the provision of incentives, guarantees and insurance mechanisms aimed at attracting private investment in high-risk segments of the supply chain in the battery and solar energy sectors.
The Minister of Economy stressed that investments aligned with the European Union’s strategic objectives should be treated as a priority.
“Adapting the framework for foreign direct investment requires balancing economic openness with strategic protectionism,” he added.
According to him, the European Union should strengthen its cooperation with the European Investment Bank (EIB) and pursue policies that mobilise private investors to finance breakthrough innovations, expand production capacity and develop strategic technologies.