The Croatian engineering firm Končar has been awarded a significant contract in Bulgaria to modernize two hydropower plants, marking a strategic expansion of its operations in southeastern Europe. This project, valued at approximately €4.9 million excluding VAT, follows a public procurement process initiated by the state-owned power utility NEK. The modernization will focus on the Teshel and Devin plants, which are integral components of the Dospat–Vacha cascade.
The scope of the modernization includes comprehensive upgrades to critical technological systems. Key components such as automation and control platforms, excitation and turbine regulation systems, and protective equipment for generators and transformers will be replaced. These enhancements are anticipated to significantly improve the reliability of these facilities within Bulgaria’s electricity system.
This contract underscores Končar’s increasing involvement in Bulgaria’s energy sector, where it has been actively pursuing hydropower projects. The company previously completed the full reconstruction of the Vacha-1 plant in 2022, along with its associated 110 kV substation. With this latest assignment, Končar fortifies its presence in a market where it had limited representation, having executed four hydropower projects over the past six years, including two deemed strategically important for national energy security.
The modernization efforts at Teshel and Devin are expected to extend their operational lifetimes and enhance overall efficiency. As Bulgaria continues to invest in upgrading its energy infrastructure, projects like these are crucial for maintaining stability and reliability in the national grid, especially as the country navigates a transition towards more sustainable energy sources.
This development not only reflects Končar’s growing footprint in Bulgaria but also highlights ongoing trends in regional energy policy aimed at modernizing aging infrastructure while ensuring compliance with environmental standards.
