The Bulgarian court has intervened to halt a major solar power project planned near Suhindol, overturning an earlier approval from environmental authorities. The Administrative Court in Veliko Tarnovo ruled in favor of a local civic organization that had challenged the decision allowing the project to proceed. As a result, the court has blocked preliminary enforcement of the environmental approval issued in January, effectively preventing construction activities from starting for the time being.
The judges accepted arguments that the initial clearance required closer scrutiny due to the scale of the project and its potential impact on the local area. The ruling is not a final verdict and can still be contested through the appeals process.
Opponents of the project argue that the planned solar installation would come at a high environmental cost. According to the community group, the development threatens extensive areas of farmland and woodland and could harm zones recognized for their rich biodiversity.
Earlier in January, the Ministry of Environment and Water authorized the environmental assessment for the project, known as Wabi-Sabi, which is being developed by Wabi-Sabi Alpha, with Vienna-based Green Source as the lead investor. Once completed, the installation is expected to reach a capacity of 500 MW, making it one of the largest solar developments in Bulgaria.
The investment is valued at approximately 450 million euros, with around 30 million euros already spent on preparatory activities. The site near Suhindol covers close to 1,000 hectares, making it one of the most land-intensive renewable projects currently planned in the country.
