Schneider Electric Bulgaria opens geothermal energy system

The system was constructed by local company ReEnergy Engineering, Schneider Electric Bulgaria, a subsidiary of French energy management and automation company Schneider Electric, said in a press release.

Using fluid heated by the natural temperature of the earth, the closed-loop system is equipped with geothermal heat pump units that produce hot water for heating during winter and for other uses throughout the year.

In spring and autumn, the heat pump units provide passive cooling, and on the hottest days, cooling is achieved using the refrigeration cycle. The system, which does not use underground water resources, can help save over 70% of energy for heating and cooling, according to the company.

"The new geothermal system implies the complete elimination of natural gas usage. For Schneider Electric, this is a long-term strategic goal linked to our commitment to achieve carbon neutrality," Martin Yordanov, director of the smart factory in Plovdiv, said.

Schneider Electric Bulgaria has invested 1.8 million euro ($1.9 million) in developing the geothermal energy system, the prime minister's office said in October.

Last year, Schneider Electric announced investments exceeding 60 million euro in upgrading and expanding the smart factory in Plovdiv to increase output by 30%.

($ = 0.9265 euro)