The Bulgarian Ministry of Energy has launched a public consultation for a new funding round aimed at developing 1.9 GWh of standalone energy storage capacity. The initiative builds on the success of the country’s first major procurement under the RESTORE program, which supported nearly 10 GWh of renewable energy storage development earlier this year.
A Second Step in Bulgaria’s Storage Strategy
RESTORE 2 continues the National Infrastructure for Storage of Electricity from Renewable Sources program, part of Bulgaria’s National Recovery and Resilience Plan. The first round, completed in April, selected 82 standalone storage projects with a combined usable capacity of 9,712.89 MWh. The total investment exceeded BGN 1.15 billion (around USD 675 million), more than tripled the program’s initial 3 GWh target.
With RESTORE 2, the Ministry is now seeking to fund energy storage systems with at least 10 MW of nominal AC power and a minimum of two hours of usable storage capacity. Projects can be connected either to Bulgaria’s transmission or distribution grids.
Funding Scope and Eligibility
The procedure is open to companies of all sizes, from micro to large enterprises. Grants will cover up to 50 percent of eligible project costs, with a maximum rate of BGN 156,466 (USD 86,056) per 1 MWh of usable storage capacity, excluding VAT.
Each applicant may request support for up to 317 MWh of storage capacity, which equals roughly one-sixth of the program’s total quota. This can be done through one or several projects.
Applicants must also meet several financial and technical criteria. A participation guarantee of 3 percent, valid for nine months, is required as proof of intent to sign a financing agreement. Companies must demonstrate their own capital of at least BGN 6 million for 20–50 MWh projects, or BGN 10 million for projects above 50 MWh, verified through financial statements. Once an agreement is signed, a performance guarantee of 10 percent of the grant amount will be held until all project obligations are fulfilled.
Requirements for Eligible Projects
To qualify as “new usable energy storage capacity,” construction must not have started before the proposal submission date. Projects that began on or after June 25, 2024, are eligible, provided they are not yet commissioned. Preparatory activities such as permits, feasibility studies, or land purchases do not count as a project to start.
At the time of application, each proposal must include a valid grid connection agreement, a building permit, or proof of a binding equipment order that makes the investment irreversible. Applicants must also demonstrate secure financing for the full scope of the project.
All approved storage facilities must be built and commissioned no later than July 31, 2026.
Consultation and Timeline
Draft application guidelines and implementation documents for RESTORE 2 are now open for public feedback until September 15. The Ministry of Energy plans to launch the application phase on September 18, giving prospective developers time to align documentation and permits.
Funding under RESTORE 2 is provided through Bulgaria’s National Recovery and Resilience Plan, which seeks to increase the share of renewable energy in the national mix while ensuring that adequate storage infrastructure is in place to support it.
Power Loop Insight
For Power Loop readers, Bulgaria’s RESTORE 2 program represents a decisive step toward building a modern and flexible electricity system. Large-scale battery projects not only help stabilize renewable integration but also open opportunities for grid innovation, balancing services, and new industrial partnerships.
As the region’s renewable capacity expands, such national programs will play a critical role in shaping an integrated and resilient energy landscape across Southeast Europe.
Sources:
“Bulgaria launches consultation on 1.9 GWh energy storage subsidy” – pv-magazine, 28 Aug 2025. pv magazine International
“Bulgaria Opens Public Consultation on Subsidies for 1.9 GWh of Battery Projects” – Balkan Green Energy News, 27 Aug 2025.
“Public Consultation on the National Renewable Energy Storage Procedure” – EMI-BG, 25 Aug 2025.
European Commission page on Bulgaria’s Recovery & Resilience Plan (which mentions storage and infrastructure measures) European Commission
