The energy transition in Bulgaria requires a comprehensive overhaul of the power grid system, which is under increasing pressure due to insufficient investments, limited digitalisation, a rigid regulatory framework and the fast pace of renewable energy additions. Despite the enormous potential for small-scale renewable energy potential such as rooftop solar photovoltaics (PV), the regulatory framework does not allow for the deployment of energy communities and the uptake of virtual net metering. Unlocking this potential will require both institutional reform and targeted investments in digital infrastructure, smart grid solutions, and system flexibility mechanisms.
These were some of the main takeaways from the policy roundtable on "Modern Grids for a Sustainable Energy Transition”, organised by the Center for the Study of Democracy on 8 April, 2025. The event brought together Bulgarian policymakers, energy regulators, grid operators, and power grid platform experts from Norway and Austria, who presented cutting-edge solutions for real-time management of decentralised grids where citizens, energy traders and district system operators seamlessly exchange energy data. Alongside CSD experts, the panel featured Delyan Dobrev, Chairman of the Budget and Finance Committee and member of the Energy Committee in the Bulgarian Parliament, Dimitar Zarchev, Director of the National Dispatch Center at the Bulgarian Transmission System Operator, Hans Erik Bude, Senior Advisor at the Norwegian Electricity System Operator, and Leo Kamerdiener, Managing Director of the Austrian Energy Data Exchange Platform - EDA.
Delyan Dobrev emphasised that a major barrier to connecting new renewable projects is the lack of any grid capacity at many connecting. This was partially remediated by the introduction of dedicated rules for shared use of connection points, allowing both PV and wind energy plants to connect to the same substation. He highlighted that renewables are gradually pushing electricity prices down to zero, making battery storage and flexible demand response critical to maintaining a functional grid.
Dimitar Zarchev stressed that real-time data analytics and more granular grid information are crucial for managing decentralised power flows and ensuring the security of electricity supply. He noted that technological change must be matched by a transformation in institutional practices and regulatory standards.
Hans Erik Budde and Leo Kammerdiener shared examples from Norway and Austria on how energy data access can support a fair and resilient transition. The centralised Elhub data platform in Norway is an example of how to build a data platform based on trust and mutual benefit among stakeholders. Austria’s EDA showcases a standardised and secure approach to data sharing that incentivises citizens to join the power market.
All the speakers agreed that Bulgaria’s electricity grid must undergo urgent modernisation and digitalisation to keep pace with the accelerating energy transition. They stressed that smart grid technologies, real-time data systems, and energy storage solutions are available, but need institutional support, regulatory reform, and strategic investment to be effectively deployed. Without addressing infrastructure bottlenecks and enabling active consumer participation, the country risks missing its decarbonisation targets and the broader opportunities of a green economy.
Speakers emphasised the need for better planning, clearer regulation, and the removal of market barriers for new technologies, such as storage and demand-side flexibility. Digital tools and platforms are essential to operate a modern power system effectively.
