Bulgaria has gone from zero battery storage to nearly a quarter of its power capacity in under two years, becoming a world leader in the technology.

The energy ministry says the country now has about 5.7 gigawatts of operational battery storage — almost a quarter of installed power capacity. That ratio outpaces California, Germany and China.

The boom has been fuelled by EU funding and private capital worth close to 3 billion euros, according to business publication Capital. At the Maritsa East 3 coal plant, operators disconnected a coal unit to connect batteries instead.

“Coal is out, battery is in — it was the right place at the right time,” said Vassil Shtonov of ContourGlobal, which runs the site. The batteries helped Bulgaria through summer droughts that cut nuclear and hydro output in neighbouring countries.

Experts say Bulgaria shows how fast the right incentives can drive an energy transition, calling it a positive example for Europe.