Schneider Electric Bulgaria has opened the first-of-its-kind industrial geothermal system in its Smart Factory in Plovdiv

The innovative geothermal system was developed in response to Schneider Electric’s global sustainability goals and uses “dry” closed boreholes, in which a fluid circulates and is heated by the natural temperature of the earth. The heat pump units produce hot water for heating and hot water for domestic use, providing over 70% savings in electricity for heating and cooling the plant. The system does not use groundwater resources and contributes to achieving the company’s carbon neutrality goals.

“It is a pleasure and a huge responsibility for us to be pioneers in the field of carbon neutrality. Through the geothermal system we are opening today, we once again stand firmly behind Schneider Electric’s commitment to decarbonization on a global scale. Energy management, together with sustainable development, is the essence of our business and our core competence,” explained Martin Yordanov, Director of Schneider Electric’s Smart Factory in Plovdiv.

“Decarbonization is not a one-day goal. For Schneider Electric, it is an adventure in which we invest time and energy to track our consumption, analyze processes, properly manage the resources we have, and eliminate waste. The new geothermal installation is just one of the steps on our way to the goal. In recent years, Schneider Electric Bulgaria has implemented a number of projects aimed at decarbonization, which illustrate our desire, dedication and aspiration step by step to achieve carbon neutrality,” commented Mr. Martin Ganchevski, project manager for the installation of the geothermal system.

The opening ceremony was attended by representatives of national and local authorities, including Ms. Angelina Boneva, Deputy Minister of Regional Development and Public Works, Mr. Ivan Stoyanov, Deputy Mayor for Ecology and Health of the City of Plovdiv, Mr. Dimitar Ivanov, Mayor of Maritsa Municipality, Mr. Yordan Dashev, Mayor of the village of Radinovo, and Mr. Plamen Panchev, Executive Director and Founder of the Trakia Economic Zone (TEZ).

Ms. Angelina Boneva defined Schneider Electric as a pioneer in the dual transition, emphasizing the importance of the company’s high ambitions for creating sustainable solutions through cooperation with universities and the use of the latest technologies. “It is an honor and pleasure for me to attend such an event. Schneider Electric Bulgaria is a large company that “swirls” its own ecosystem and raises the general standard. I am very glad that the high ambitions of Schneider Electric are transferred here – to the city of Plovdiv and among the local communities. These are the places in Bulgaria recognized as the best for investments, because the local authorities work hand in hand with business. Sincere congratulations and respect to Schneider Electric Bulgaria”, said Ms. Boneva during the ceremony.

As a representative of the local government, the Deputy Mayor for Ecology and Health of the city of Plovdiv, Mr. Ivan Stoyanov, also expressed his satisfaction at attending an event with a contribution to ecology. “I am glad that local business and business in general are helping the municipalities and the administration to introduce such successful models together. We have something to learn from you and we will be helpful in any way we can. In the person of the Municipality of Plovdiv, you have a partner and a friend,” said Mr. Stoyanov.

Last but not least, Mr. Plamen Panchev from the Thrace Economic Zone (TEZ) expressed his satisfaction with the fact that Bulgaria is leading in the implementation of modern technologies, emphasizing that partners like Schneider Electric are key to the implementation of carbon neutrality projects. “As Ms. Nikolova shared, the success of the decarbonization mission is entirely possible. Bulgaria is now not only a world-class country in this area, but is also a leading force in the implementation of modern technologies in the field. TEZ is one of the best examples in Europe for the implementation of carbon neutrality projects, and this is possible because we have partners like Schneider Electric Bulgaria, who are fulfilling the goals they have set themselves,” he shared.

The geothermal system at Schneider Electric’s Smart Factory in Plovdiv will improve its energy efficiency and help combat climate change by providing renewable energy sources integrated with digital solutions. With this innovative approach, Schneider Electric underlines its commitment to its goals of carbon-neutral operations by 2025, carbon-neutral footprint by 2040 and suppliers with zero net carbon emissions by 2050.

“The system developed by ReEnergy Engineering represents a significant step towards energy independence for the Smart Factory in Plovdiv. With this project, Schneider Electric is not only building infrastructure for the future, but also once again demonstrating its commitment to carbon neutrality and sustainability,” added the company’s team in our country.