Vestas to supply wind turbines for Strazhitsa project in Bulgaria

Vestas has received an order to supply eleven EnVentus V162-6.4 MW wind turbines for the Strazhitsa project in Bulgaria. Investments in wind power in the country have been on hold since 2014. The company expects commissioning next year.

Turbine manufacturer Vestas said it has taken a 70 MW order from Tessa Green Energy for the firm’s Strazhitsa wind power project in Bulgaria. It would supply eleven EnVentus V162-6.4 MW machines. While Vestas didn’t provide financial details, it added that the transaction involves its long-term Active Output Management (AOM) 5000 service agreement.

Strazhitsa is a municipality in the Veliko Tarnovo province. According to the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), Bulgaria hosted 706 MW of wind power capacity at the end of last year. The level has been virtually unchanged since 2014, so a new facility could mark a turning point.

Strazhitsa could help spark new era for wind energy in Bulgaria

Early this year, wind energy has played an important role in turning the country from a net importer to a net exporter of electricity, increasing its energy independence and reducing its exposure to volatile energy prices, the Denmark-based company noted.

“Having a new project after a long pause in the Bulgarian market is very meaningful for Vestas, and we hope it will help spark a new era for wind energy in the country,” said General Manager and Vice President of Sales for Southeast Europe and Central Asia Srdan Cenic.

The company entered the country in 2007. It accounts for more than 360 MW of wind power capacity in Bulgaria.

The deliveries are expected to begin in the first quarter, while commissioning is planned for the second and third quarters of next year, Vestas revealed.

Tessa Green Energy sees strategic partnership with Vestas

Tessa Green Energy was founded in 2020. Businessman Alexander Shterev and local investment firm Trinity Investment own 50% each.

“Our ambition is to become a leading company in the region, and it is essential for us to work with the best global partners. We are therefore pleased to launch this project in partnership with Vestas, and we believe this marks the beginning of a strategic partnership,” Chief Executive Officer Alexander Manolev stated.

Of note, several major wind and solar power projects in Bulgaria have met opposition in the past few years from the local population and environmentalists.