Toshiba Corporation has announced that its UK-based subsidiary, Toshiba International Europe Ltd., has signed a memorandum of understanding with National Electricity Company EAD to explore the restoration and long-term operation of the Chaira pumped storage hydropower plant in Bulgaria.

The agreement sets out a framework for cooperation on repairing the facility and improving its performance over time.

The memorandum was signed by Atsushi Mikuni, president of Toshiba International Europe Ltd., and Georgi Dobrev, CEO of NEK. The signing ceremony was attended by Japan’s ambassador to Bulgaria, Chikahisa Sumi, and Valentin Nikolov, CEO of Bulgarian Energy Holding.

Europe’s energy transition is expected to increase demand for systems that can balance electricity supply and demand. Renewable sources are projected to account for 91% of power generation by 2050, increasing the need for storage and flexible capacity.

Bulgaria is considering pumped storage projects with a combined capacity of about 4.5GW. The Chaira pumped storage plant, the largest in the country, has an installed capacity of 864MW across four units. Some units are currently out of operation due to aging infrastructure.

Under the agreement, Toshiba will provide technical support for restoring the plant and improving its operation. The company has already been commissioned to repair Unit 1 and will carry out studies and provide support for the remaining units, including maintenance and operational recommendations.

Toshiba has been involved in Bulgaria’s power sector since 1994, when it supplied equipment for Unit 1 at Chaira. It later supplied turbines and generators for all four units. The company has also worked on the rehabilitation of the Maritsa East 2 thermal power plant.

The company said it will continue to support energy infrastructure projects as part of efforts to achieve carbon neutrality.

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