DANISH EXPANSION
Greentech Energy Systems, a Danish wind energy company, is targeting Bulgaria as the most likely location for expansion in central and southeast Europe. The company's intentions involve building a 150 million euro wind park with a 171 megawatt capacity, though details have yet to be announced. As a European Union member, Bulgaria needs to produce at least 11 per cent of its energy requirements from renewable sources by 2010, and 16 per cent by 2020. At present, the country generates only five per cent from wind turbines with up to 120 MW installed capacity. The Swiss energy group Atel has estimated that the potential for wind farms in Bulgaria is close to 2200 MW in capacity.

CIGARETTE PRODUCTION
Production at Plovdiv's cigarette factory is set to resume in a month, it was announced at  a general meeting of stakeholders. Recent activities such as purchasing tobacco, repair of the machinery and work on new cigarette brands, have been clear indications of this intention. In July, after an auction held by the state-run tobacco holding Bulgartabac, local confectionery trader Sigma Consulting acquired 78.18 per cent of the factory for close to 31 million leva.

SOLAR ENERGY
Next year Solarpro plans to invest 20 million euro in building a plant for producing solar panels in the Danube River city of Silistra. Bulgarian company Kaolin holds an 80 per cent stake in Solarpro. Another company producing solar panels in the country is a company owned by the Greek metallurgical group, Viohalco.

TRIPLE PLAY
Internet provider Megalan Network has announced plans to launch triple-play package of services for the transfer of voice, data and video by the end of 2008. They will invest 14 million leva in re-building and expanding network, launching of IP voice transfer and cable television. In Sofia, the internet provider holds the largest market share of 20 per cent and ranks among the 10 largest in the country. It has more than 40 000 subscribers and expects to double that by the end of next year.