VESS, part of Clever Synergy Investment Fund (CSIF), is taking the next big step in sustainable energy development with the construction of a high-tech manufacturing facility within the HEROS Park – Thracian High-Tech Energy Complex in Stara Zagora.
The CEO of VESS and Head of Strategic Projects in the HEROS Industry Cluster – Lyubomir Gradev, presented to the participants in the forum “European and national funding: practical solutions for business” the key directions in the development of the project. The event took place on 30 October in Stara Zagora and brought together representatives of businesses, institutions and investors, discussing the real opportunities for green transformation and financing of innovative industrial initiatives.
Investment of national importance
The project HEROS envisages investments of over 60 million leva only in the first two sites – logistics base of Despred AD и a plant for the production of vanadium flo batteries VESSwhich have already been issued building permits.
It is expected that in the coming years the entire industrial complex will be engaged over 1000 specialists, and the battery factory alone will employ over 120 people.
The main production activity will be concentrated in Stara Zagora, а auxiliary production will be located in Kardzhali, Pazardzhik and other regions of the country for efficient logistics and integration of production processes.
Bulgaria's first automated line for vanadium float batteries
The plant of VESS в HEROS Park will be the first in Bulgaria and one of the first in Europe fully automated production of vanadium float batteries – technology, which features long service life (over 30 years) и high safetywithout risk of overheating or fire.
These batteries are a key element in the storage of renewable energy and play a key role in balancing electricity systems in the transition to a green economy.
“VESS production puts Bulgaria on the map of innovation in Europe. This is a project that will show that our country can be a leader in creating high-tech solutions for sustainable development,” said Lyubomir Gradev.
HEROS Park - next generation complex
Located on 240 acres in the industrial zone “Zagore – Elenino”, HEROS Park will unite production, logistics and research unitsincluding:
- Vanadium Battery Plant (VESS)
- Production of photovoltaic modules (VESS Modules)
- Logistics Centre (Despred)
- Plant for metal structures
- Solar panel recycling centre
The project will be built in phases within 6-7 years and will provide sustainable jobs in the region by combining industrial growth, innovation and green technologies.
The Stara Zagora Forum - a platform for sustainable investments
During the forum Lyubomir Gradev participated in the panel “Change on the ground: real solutions, real opportunities”, where together with representatives of business and local government discussed the role of the private sector in the energy transition and green investments.
The event brought together experts from European Investment Bank, Ministry of Innovation and Growth, и Stara Zagora Municipality, which presented opportunities for financing innovative and environmental projects in Bulgaria.
Investing in the future of energy
The project HEROS is a key element of the CSIF to build a comprehensive chain of green industries – of solar panel and battery manufacturing, to the recycling and reuse of resources.
It positions Bulgaria as a regional hub for sustainable energy in South East Europe.
