United Group, a telecommunications and media leader in Southeast Europe, has announced a transformative €120 million investment in renewable energy in Bulgaria. The initiative underscores the company’s commitment to sustainability and innovation while advancing Bulgaria’s energy transition.
The investment will fund the construction of three solar power plants and a wind farm with a total capacity of 124 MW, capable of producing 310,000 MWh annually. This energy output is sufficient to power 60,000 households each year, significantly reducing the environmental footprint.
The company aims to:
A state-of-the-art energy storage system will be integrated, capable of holding 1.5 times the energy generated. The first solar power plant near Stara Zagora is operational, with additional facilities planned near Vidin and Kyustendil. The wind farm in northeastern Bulgaria will further enhance energy efficiency and innovation in the region.
Victoriya Boklag, CEO of United Group, emphasized the company’s dedication to sustainability "This investment is not just a business decision - it is a promise to future generations. Solar and wind energy will not only power our operations but drive change. Together, we are building a brighter, greener future for Bulgaria and Southeast Europe."
The investment aligns with EU climate policies, contributing to Bulgaria’s transition to renewable energy and supporting its goal of increasing the share of renewables in the national energy mix, which currently stands at less than 25%.
Since entering the Bulgarian market in 2020, United Group has invested €2.5 billion in cutting-edge technology, including the country’s first 10 Giga fiber network, the largest commercial 5G network, and the first unlimited 5G tariffs.
Nikolai Andreev, president of Vivacom, a United Group subsidiary, highlighted the broader benefits "This investment strengthens Bulgaria’s energy resilience, stimulates economic growth, and establishes the country as a leader in renewable energy."
Bulgaria’s Vice Prime Minister and Minister of Transport, Grozdan Karadjov, praised the investment "Bulgaria's share of renewable energy is still below the EU average. Investments like this are crucial for sustainable economic development and aligning with European climate goals."
