site.btaSofia, Burgas to Partner in Solar-Powered Cities Project

The cities of Sofia and Burgas will be partners together with the Bulgarian Solar Association in a project financed by the European Climate Initiative (EUKI), intended to unlock the solar potential of two municipalities. The purpose is to facilitate individuals, public institutions and businesses in planning investments in the installation of rooftop photovoltaic systems, thus contributing to the energy transformation of the region and providing a role model for other municipalities.

Burgas Municipality is the implementing organization of the project, which spans the September 2021 - February 2023 period and costs EUR 211,000.

The project targets central and local government, small and medium-sized enterprises, homeowner associations, public building managers, and residents of multi-family apartment buildings. The idea is to spread knowledge and pave the way for joint projects between municipal officials, businesses, and citizens/energy cooperatives.

The partners will sign a joint agreement shortly. Initially, the solar power production potential of the capital city and Burgas will be assessed. As part of the project, the urban territories will be photographed from the air so as to determine the number of solar panels that can be installed on the roof space of a particular building.

The data will be used to update the two municipalities' energy strategies, after which a publicly accessible digital platform will be built to store the information collected: the number of panels that can be installed, the amount of power that can be generated, the estimated deadline for completion of the project, available training courses, etc.

An energy office is supposed to open under the project next week. It will offer individuals and business persons administrative and technical assistance on energy efficiency and renewable energy sources.