The production of battery energy storage systems has been recognized as a strategic EU project under the Net-Zero Industry Act
Officially recognized by the European Commission as a Strategic Project for the Net-Zero Industry, the new BESS factory of energy technology company IPS features a uniquely European supply chain. Except for the LFP cells, all other critical components are designed and manufactured in-house – from battery modules and packs to distributed liquid cooling systems, mechanical structures, BESS enclosure, all electronics, battery management system (BMS), control units, and inverters. This vertical integration ensures quality, reliability, and strategic autonomy for Europe’s clean energy future.
The inaugural ceremony for the new factory took place on October 10, 2025.
Alongside IPS CEO Alexander Rangelov, Tomislav Donchev, Deputy Prime Minister of Bulgaria, Vassil Terziev, Mayor of Sofia, and Rosen Plevneliev, President of Bulgaria (2012–2017) cut the ribbon for the X1 factory of IPS at the Hemus High-Tech Industrial Park near Sofia.
Reflecting on the achievement, Alexander Rangelov, IPS CEO, said:
“This milestone marks a new chapter for IPS. With EXERON X-BESS now in serial production in Bulgaria, we’re proudly showing that world-class energy storage can be designed and built in Europe.”
EXERON X-BESS is a next-generation battery energy storage system (BESS) addressing the growing demand for fast reacting solutions for grid stabilisation and safer integration of renewable energy in the electricity system. This innovation positions IPS at the forefront of Europe’s energy transition, directly aligned with the EU Net-Zero Industry Act and Clean Industrial Deal objectives. The investment was officially recognised as a strategic net-zero technology manufacturing capacity earlier this year.
Strategically, IPS is investing in a vertically integrated European supply chain for energy storage, with its new X1 BESS gigafactory serving as the cornerstone. Construction of the X2 expansion began in June 2025 and is scheduled for completion by the second quarter of 2026, increasing the Sofia site’s annual production capacity to 5 GWh.
Joining the event via video address were Ditte Juul Jørgensen, Director-General for Energy (DG ENER), Kurt Vandenberghe, Director-General for Climate Action (DG CLIMA), and Beatrice Coda, Head of Unit for Clean Energy Transitions (DG RTD).
Ditte Juul Jørgensen emphasized the factory’s strategic importance:
“This factory exemplifies our shared ambition, as reflected in the Net-Zero Industry Act, to strengthen European clean energy manufacturing and energy security, including by setting a benchmark for our manufacturing capacity for net-zero technologies to reach at least 40% of demand by 2030.”
Kurt Vandenberghe praised IPS’s innovation and entrepreneurial drive:
“The innovative Exeron platform has great potential to contribute to Bulgaria’s and Europe’s path towards climate neutrality and energy resilience while it also boosts industrial competitiveness and European energy sovereignty. I am really happy to see this investment taking place in Bulgaria. It underlines the importance of entrepreneurship and innovation as the opening of this factory will no doubt have a positive impact on regional economic development, set to only increase as the business scales.”
Vandenberghe also noted that the European Union is intensifying efforts to support clean-tech manufacturing through instruments such as the ETS Innovation Fund, new state-aid guidelines, regional funds, and the proposed Competitiveness Fund—all designed to bridge the gap between innovation and large-scale production within the EU.
Beatrice Coda underlined the positive social impact of the new investment:
“The BESS produced in this factory will help Bulgaria and Europe not only to accelerate the green transition but also to create jobs, knowledge, and prosperity at a time when Europe needs more innovation, initiative, and skills.
The EXERON X-BESS is a modular, utility-scale battery energy storage system, designed for effortless customization and scaling to meet a wide range of power and energy requirements and adapt to different applications – from commercial & industrial (C&I) installations to large utility scale projects. The modular architecture also simplifies maintenance and enables straightforward upgrades, ensuring long-term operational efficiency, resilience and futureproofing.
