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Large-scale energy storage – the missing piece in the energy puzzle

30 September 2025

NEK CEO Georgi Dobrev played a key role in the expert panel at the Compass '25 National Conference on "Major Projects in Bulgarian Energy through the Lens of Geopolitics, National Security, and Diplomacy."

In his speech, Mr. Dobrev presented in detail NEK's strategic projects for the construction of new pumped storage facilities – 5 new pumped storage hydropower plants in the Rhodopes and Rila, including increasing the capacity of the largest battery in the Balkans, Chaira pumped storage hydropower plant, through the Yadenitsa project and the construction of Chaira II pumped storage hydropower plant.

Together, these projects represent approximately 4.5 gigawatts of new installed capacity and over 70 gigawatt hours of storage. Innovative projects will create a sustainable basis for ensuring long-term storage capacity, enabling large-scale integration of RES, strengthening interconnections, and providing reliable balancing capacity.

"These projects are not just technical improvements—they are strategic factors for the energy transition of Bulgaria and the region, critical assets for the sustainability of the Southeast European system, and a contribution to the broader European agenda—including the Green Deal and the priorities under the Trans-European Energy Infrastructure Regulation," Georgi Dobrev emphasized.

NEK Joins the Paris Pledge for Sustainable Energy Storage

10 September 2025

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On 9-10 September NEK participated in the International Forum on Pumped Storage Hydropower, held at UNESCO Headquarters in Paris under the auspices of the International Hydropower Association (IHA) and Eurelectric.

The event, focused on the vital role of pumped storage hydropower in achieving the goals of the low-carbon energy transition, brought together over 500 delegates, including representatives from governments, financial institutions, industry, and academia.

During the forum, NEK officially endorsed the Paris Pledge – a joint declaration by leading energy companies to accelerate the development of long-duration energy storage through pumped storage systems in support of Europe’s Green Deal. The document highlights the urgent need to expand storage capacity to ensure a secure, reliable, and just energy transition.

“As the operator of Bulgaria’s largest hydropower and long-duration storage assets, NEK is committed to enabling a secure, flexible, and decarbonised energy system in Southeast Europe. Through our strategic portfolio of new pumped-storage projects, we are helping to integrate renewables at scale, strengthen system resilience, and deliver on national and European climate goals,” stated NEK representatives.

NEK’s support for the Paris Pledge reflects the company’s long-term vision for international cooperation and its strong commitment to sustainable development.

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Start of the NEK 2025 internship program

04 August 2025

Filled with positive energy, we launched our internship program for 2025 and welcomed a new generation of young professionals motivated to gain knowledge and valuable practical experience in the field of hydropower.

Thanks to the exceptional success of previous campaigns and information meetings, we have managed to significantly expand the circle of higher education institutions and attract students from Technical University of Varna, Technical University of Gabrovo, University of Chemical Technology and Metallurgy Sofia, and Munich Business School.

During the introductory week, the interns got acquainted with the structure and main activities of NEK, as well as with the mentors, teams, and projects they will be working on. They underwent training in health and safety at work and valuable practical exercises for successful teamwork, effective communication, and adaptation to a dynamic work environment.
The participants in the program demonstrated commitment and social responsibility by joining a volunteer initiative on the Beli Iskar eco-trail. With the support of employees from NEK and Rila National Park, the interns helped restore bridges, clean up the area, and put up signs. The initiative contributed to the preservation of Bulgaria's enchanting nature and united young people around a common cause.

During the following weeks of their internship, the young specialists, supported by experienced engineers from NEK acting as mentors, will tackle real-life cases at NEK sites – hydroelectric power plants and dam areas. We wish them success and fruitful work, and we will support them every step of the way!