Battery energy storage systems: The case of Bulgaria: recent policy developments and market dynamics
Webinar Description
Battery energy storage systems (BESS) are increasingly viewed as a crucial enabler of the clean energy transition. BESS can provide the flexibility needed to integrate variable renewable energy sources like wind and solar into the power grid and offer additional services for distribution and transmission system operators. Increasingly cost-competitive, BESS offer a versatile solution for both utility-scale applications and distributed energy resources, while contributing to reduced carbon emissions and enhanced energy security. In the EU, several markets have seen rapid growth in the deployment of battery energy storage systems over the past few years. A closer look at some neighbouring countries in the EU, with their respective policy frameworks and market dynamics could provide relevant lessons for the Western Balkan region.
The regional project "Green Agenda: Decarbonization of the Electricity Sector in the Western Balkans" (implemented by GIZ) focuses on building competencies and sharing of up-to-date knowledge on innovative policy and technology solutions for the electricity sector in the Western Balkans.
Against this background and in view of enhancing the discussion in the region about battery energy storage systems (BESS), GIZ organised a webinar on the topic of battery energy storage systems on 18 December 2024.
Objective
Drawing on experiences from outside the Western Balkans, the session provided an overview of Bulgaria’s policy framework, the evolving landscape and market dynamics for battery storage systems. The input served as a foundation for discussions on the progress with BESS in the region and allowed participants to share experiences from their own countries. As part of the webinar, the project’s tools for knowledge sharing and peer exchange were briefly presented.
Presentations
- Battery energy storage system - The case of Bulgaria: recent policy developments and market dynamics
- Western Balkan Power Sector Knowledge Hub
This presentation gives a brief introduction to the knowledge sharing and peer exchange tools of the GIZ project: the Western Balkan Power Sector Knowledge Hub and a LinkedIn group for energy sector experts from partner organisations. It introduces the energypedia platform, a wiki for renewable energy, energy access and energy efficiency, and gives a brief overview of wikis in general, the history of energypedia and the kind of content it offers. The presentation then spotlights the dedicated Western Balkans Energy Sector Knowledge Hub and the project resources and country energy situation information it provides to sector professionals to support knowledge sharing in the Western Balkans. The presentation also introduces the LinkedIn group created for GIZ project partners to support peer exchange, networking and regional dialogue. It invites participants to join the group and share knowledge, expertise and sector-related information.
