16 Jul 2026
An official groundbreaking ceremony in Zagore – Elenino Industrial Zone marked the start of construction of Bulgaria’s first vanadium redox flow battery manufacturing plant. The new facility is part of the Heros project by CISF, managed by Tsvetelina Borislavova, and represents one of the largest private investments undertaken in the Municipality of Stara Zagora in recent years.
The ceremony began with a blessing for health and the successful operation of the future manufacturing complex, conducted by parish priests from the Church of the Presentation of the Virgin Mary in Stara Zagora.
In her address, investor Tsvetelina Borislavova emphasised that more than EUR 20 million had already been invested in the Heros project in Zagore – Elenino Industrial Zone. She also outlined the project’s long-term vision, which includes three high-tech factories and a logistics facility on a site covering nearly 30 hectares. She noted that the first facility, Despred AD’s logistics centre, is nearing completion and will support future investors with logistics and freight forwarding services.
Project Manager Lyubomir Gradev presented the technical features of the planned manufacturing operations. He noted that the plant would house the world’s first automated production line for vanadium redox flow battery cells, a technology developed over several years by international engineering teams. He described it as one of the most sustainable solutions for long-duration electricity storage, with a key role to play in renewable energy development and energy independence.
“We sincerely hope to send a clear signal to the world that Bulgaria can be a leader not only in installation, but also in manufacturing, and can become a hub for new technologies,” Gradev emphasised.
Krasimir Yakimov, Deputy Minister of Economy, Investments and Industry, congratulated the investors on bringing the project to fruition and highlighted the importance of such investments for the development of high-tech industry and the competitiveness of the Bulgarian economy.
Speaking on behalf of the Municipality of Stara Zagora, Deputy Mayor Radostin Tanev welcomed the investment and stated that the municipality would continue working actively to attract new investors and create a favourable environment for modern, high-value-added manufacturing.
Following the official addresses, a symbolic groundbreaking marked the start of construction.
The Heros project envisages a comprehensive industrial complex comprising a vanadium redox flow battery manufacturing plant, a facility for recycling end-of-life solar panels, a solar cell manufacturing plant and a logistics centre. More than 1,000 jobs are expected to be created across these operations in the coming years, making the investment one of the most significant for both the region and Bulgaria in terms of scale, strategic importance and potential economic impact.
Through this project, Stara Zagora strengthens its position as a leading industrial and investment centre, attracting manufacturing activities linked to new technologies, green energy and sustainable economic development.
