Telecom Firm Invests €120m in Bulgaria’s Renewable Energy Future
By Abdullahi Lukman
United Group, a leading telecommunications powerhouse in Southeast Europe, has invested €120 million in renewable energy in Bulgaria.
This initiative is expected to see the development of three solar power plants and a wind farm in the country, positioning United Group as a pioneer in renewable energy production and environmental responsibility in the region.
The investment forms part of United Group’s broader commitment to sustainability and climate action.
By 2027, these renewable energy projects will supply 160% of the electricity required for the Group’s Bulgarian operations, meeting 65 percent of its overall electricity consumption across the country.
In addition to the environmental benefits, the projects are expected to reduce Bulgaria’s annual carbon emissions by approximately 120,000 tonnes, supporting the country’s ongoing efforts to transition to greener energy sources.
The first solar power plant, already operational, is located near Stara Zagora, a key city in central Bulgaria.
The subsequent solar plants will be developed near Kyustendil and Vidin, both of which are expected to generate significant amounts of clean, renewable energy for the region.
United Group is also building a wind farm in the northeastern part of Bulgaria, which will introduce innovative technologies and advanced efficiency measures to set new benchmarks in the renewable energy sector.
The renewable energy projects will utilize repurposed industrial land, reducing the environmental footprint of construction and ensuring minimal disruption to local communities.
Furthermore, the plants will incorporate state-of-the-art energy storage solutions to optimize power delivery and increase grid stability, ensuring the energy produced can be used efficiently and sustainably.
Victoriya Boklag, CEO of United Group, expressed her enthusiasm for the project, stating, “This investment is more than just a business decision – it’s a promise to future generations.
By harnessing the power of the sun and wind, we’re not just powering our operations; we’re powering change.
We’re incredibly proud to lead the way in producing green electricity. Together, we are helping to build a brighter, greener future for Bulgaria and the broader Southeast European region.”
Nikolai Andreev, CEO of Vivacom, a subsidiary of United Group, also underscored the transformative potential of the initiative.
“This investment is a transformative moment for Bulgaria,” he said.
“It strengthens energy resilience, drives economic growth, and positions Bulgaria as a leader in renewable energy.
We’re excited to witness the far-reaching impact this project will have on our country and the region, as it will create jobs, attract further investments, and reduce our carbon footprint.”
Bulgaria’s government has shown strong support for the development of renewable energy as part of its efforts to meet its environmental and energy targets under EU regulations.
Grozdan Karadjov, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport and Communications, highlighted the importance of such investments for the sustainable future of the Bulgarian economy.
“Over the past two decades, the share of green energy in the EU’s overall energy mix has tripled,” he noted.
“Bulgaria is following this trend, but the share of renewable sources in our country’s final energy consumption is still less than a quarter.
Therefore, investments like United Group’s are crucial for the sustainable development of the Bulgarian economy.”
This investment by United Group is part of a broader trend of growing investment in renewable energy within the region.
While Bulgaria has made progress in expanding its renewable energy capacity, the country still relies heavily on traditional energy sources, including coal.
United Group’s initiative is expected to provide a significant boost to the country’s energy transition and support its goal of reducing emissions in line with EU climate targets.
The introduction of these renewable energy sources will also benefit the local economy by creating jobs during the construction and operation phases of the projects, as well as by attracting further foreign and domestic investment in the country’s green energy sector.
As the renewable energy landscape in Bulgaria continues to evolve, United Group’s investment serves as a clear signal of the company’s commitment to sustainability and innovation.
It not only sets an example for other businesses in the region but also demonstrates the potential for large-scale private-sector involvement in achieving energy goals and mitigating climate change.
United Group’s initiative in Bulgaria is expected to have a lasting positive impact, not only for the company’s operations but also for the broader community and the environment.