Bulgaria‘s Largest Power Plant in Southeast Europe to Resume Operation; Japan’s Toshiba and Austria’s Voith ABB Win Repair Contracts
Bulgaria’s Ministry of Energy has signed contracts with Japan’s Toshiba Corporation and Austria’s Voith ABB consortium for the repair and rehabilitation of hydroaggregates 1 and 3 at the hydropower plant (HPP) "Chaira," signaling a significant step in the government’s energy strategy. Witnessing the ceremony were Japan’s Ambassador to Bulgaria Hisashi Michigami and Austria’s Trade Counselor Philipp Kupfer.
Toshiba, the original equipment manufacturer for the power plant, will repairs hydroaggregate 1, while the Voith ABB consortium will handle hydroaggregate 3. Energy Minister Vladimir Malinov highlighted the strategic importance of the HPP "Chaira" for Bulgaria’s energy security, stating, "The work of the pellet mill ‘Chaira’ has key importance both for energy security and for better balancing of the electricity system and for the successful integration of the increasing renewable energy sources production in the region."
Malinov commended the recent repair of hydroaggregate 2 using an innovative solution, allowing it to pass 72-hour tests and rejoin Bulgaria’s power grid. He noted that the same approach would be applied to hydroaggregate 3. Malinov also shared plans for the full replacement of hydroaggregates 1 and 4 to ensure the long-term stability of the HPP.
"Bulgaria has rich water resources, and their full use will ensure predictability and sustainable solutions in the energy sector. Our cooperation with Toshiba and Voith ABB, which have undeniable expertise and experience, is a key step in this direction," said Minister Malinov. He revealed that, thanks to this cooperation, three out of the four aggregates at the power plant could be in operation by early 2026, providing over 600 MW of pumped and accumulative electricity to Bulgarian consumers.
Ambassador Michigami expressed his satisfaction with the deepening of Bulgarian-Japanese relations, citing Toshiba’s involvement in the repair and rehabilitation of hydroaggregate 1 as a symbol of this collaboration. Minister Malinov invited both Japanese and Austrian companies to participate actively in Bulgaria’s future energy projects, ensuring their continuous support.
The signing of these contracts marks a crucial step in restoring the full capacity of Bulgaria’s largest power plant in Southeast Europe, aligning with the government’s commitments to energy sustainability and security.
