With 52 turbines and a generation capacity of 156MW, the Saint Nikola Wind Farm is the largest wind energy project in Bulgaria. The facility is located on the Black Sea, in the Northeastern town of Kavarna. Since coming online, the wind farm has produced over 3.2 million MWh of electricity and has prevented nearly 2.4 million metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions from being released into the environment. The farm’s output contributes to approximately 22% of the total installed electricity generation capacity from wind power in the country.
The Saint Nikola Wind Farm also hosts a sophisticated Integrated Early Warning System that protects native birds. The technology minimizes the risk of birds colliding with the rotating equipment by monitoring during specific migratory periods, and shutting down turbines individually, in groups, or across the entire wind farm when necessary.
The Saint Nikola Wind Farm substantially raises the capacity for renewable energy production in Bulgaria. At the time of construction, the country had no statewide greenhouse gas emission reduction requirements, making the project implementation entirely voluntary. Revenue generated from the sale of carbon credits from this project goes directly to supporting the ongoing operation and maintenance of this facility.
PROJECT TYPE: Wind energy
ONLINE DATE: 2019
LOCATION: Kavarna, Bulgaria
STANDARD: Verified Carbon Standard (VCS)
RELATED SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS (SDGS): This project contributes directly to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) set by the United Nations:
The United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are an urgent call for action by countries in global partnership to end poverty, protect the planet, and ensure that by 2030 all people enjoy peace and prosperity.
Co-benefits
The project displaces fossil fuel-fired power plants and reduces an estimated 244,224 metric tons of CO2 per year.
During the construction phase of Saint Nikola Wind Farm, 500 jobs were created. Since the commercial operation of the wind farm began in 2010, 20 additional employment opportunities have been created.
