Energy storage |
The AES Galabovo coal fired power plant, Bulgaria: a possible candidate for conversion to a thermal energy storage facility. (Photo: Aalborg CSP)
converting excess electricity from green energy sources such as wind turbines and solar panels into heat. The heat is then stored in molten salt. When demand for electricity increases, the heat is converted back into electricity. As part of the conversion, the coal-fired boiler is replaced with a steam generator system based on header & coil technology, powered by hot molten salt heated up to 565°C. The molten salt is stored in two insulated tanks and used to generate high temperature, high pressure steam, which drives the existing power plant turbines to produce electricity – eliminating the need for fossil fuel combustion. By using Aalborg CSP’s storage technology, it is therefore possible to strengthen security of supply and create a balance between supply and demand. Existing equipment such as steam turbines, generators and heat exchangers, as well as components for switching, transforming and transmitting high voltage electricity, can be reused in the new energy plant. In addition, it is also a major advantage to be able to retain local jobs at power plants and turn them into ‘green’ jobs, focused on the operation and maintenance of converted coal plants.
“We have a proven concept that can be scaled as needed. I believe there is a great need for policies that promote large- scale energy storage as part of our grid
Steam turbines at Galabovo. (Photo: Aalborg CSP)
Coal handling/drying facilities at Galabovo. (Photo: Aalborg CSP)
infrastructure utilising energy from wind turbines and solar panels. It is essential that the transformation of power plants into green energy storage facilities should be given greater political focus in the coming years”, argues Jens Taggart Pelle.
Converting a coal-fired power plant in Bulgaria
Aalborg CSP is, among others, collaborating with AES Bulgaria, the Bulgarian affiliate of the American energy group AES Corporation, to explore the possibility of converting a large coal- fired power plant in Bulgaria to energy storage.
The power plant, Galabovo TPP, was only built in 2010, but AES is considering converting it into a greener energy storage facility. “Our state-of-the-art coal-fired power plant represents valuable infrastructure for the country and we are actively working on a solution that aligns with European and Bulgarian energy transition goals. This transformation would enable more renewable energy to be integrated into the market by storing surplus production and releasing it when demand is high. The conversion of our power facility into an advanced energy storage plant would reuse most of the existing infrastructure thereby securing the long-term viability of the asset while continuing to deliver reliable, clean energy to Bulgarian consumers for decades to come” says Ivan Tzankov, President AES Bulgaria. Aalborg CSP hopes that the potential plant conversion in Bulgaria might pave the way for collaboration with other owners of coal-fired power plants. The company believes that we will see the emergence of this technology in Europe within a few years.
For further information, contact: Jens Taggart Pelle, Vice President of Technical Sales, Aalborg CSP, phone: +45 30 80 69 10, e-mail:
jtp@aalborgcsp.com
24 | January/February 2026 |
www.modernpowersystems.com
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