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Boyana HPP was awarded a certificate for flawless operation and maintenance, presented to Eng. Martin Georgiev, Chief Executive Officer of NEK, by Dr. Eng. Boryana Manolova, Chief Executive Officer of Siemens for Bulgaria, North Macedonia and Ukraine. This recognition is the result of long reliable operation of Siemens equipment at the plant, which celebrates its 100th anniversary this year.

Eng. Martin Georgiev expressed his gratitude, saying: „I am honoured to receive on behalf of NEK this certificate for flawless operation and maintenance of Boyana HPP from Siemens Bulgaria“. Martin Georgiev stressed that "Siemens is a company with nearly 200 years of history and 145 years dedicated to the technological development of Bulgaria. Boyana HPP is a shining example of innovations introduced a century ago that continue to provide a stable foundation for our energy future. I am confident that the excellent long-standing cooperation between our two companies will continue in the future.“

"It is a great honour for me to be here today, in front of you, on behalf of Siemens Bulgaria, a company that has the privilege to be part of the incredible history of this exceptional facility - the Boyana Hydro Power Plant," said Dr. Eng. Boryana Manolova. „This certificate not only confirms the reliability of Siemens technologies, but also proves that when we invest in sustainable solutions and maintain them with care and expertise, we can create lasting value for future generations.“

The ceremony was attended by Prof. Dr. Veselina Kanatova-Buchkova, Chairwoman of the Board of Directors of BEH, Mr. Moritz Seiler, Head of the Economic Department of the German Embassy in Bulgaria, representatives of the management of both companies, employees of the plant, as well as customers and partners of Siemens. The event highlighted the importance of the long-term partnership between NEK and Siemens in the field of sustainable energy and innovation.

The plant is not only the oldest plant in NEK, but also one of the first plants in Bulgaria. It continues to operate with its authentic equipment, producing clean electricity with no carbon footprint.

The remarkable anniversary was celebrated in a close professional circle in the presence of veteran long-time employees of the plant. "The excellent condition of Kardzhali HPP is proof that good maintenance of the facilities is the most important part of their operation and therefore the NEK management is making systematic efforts to improve the expertise and professional qualifications of the managers and employees," emphasized NEK Executive Director Eng. Martin Georgiev. "With its more than 60 years of history, Kardzhali HPP is an excellent example of the consistency and professionalism of the Bulgarian power engineers to maintain the operational reliability of the plants at a high global level. The jubilee is an occasion of well-deserved pride for all former and current employees of Kardzhali HPP," he added.

Kardzhali hydropower plant is built on the downstream base of Kardzhali Dam. The plant is part of the first step of Arda Cascade incorporating two other hydropower plants - Ivailovgrad and Studen Kladenets. The cascade is located in the Eastern Rhodopes along the middle and lower reaches of the Arda river and plays a key role in renewable energy production. The plant has 4 hydro units with a total installed capacity of 122.4 MW in the generating mode.

In the period 2007-2010 Kardzhali HPP was rehabilitated, aa a result of which the total installed capacity was increased from 106.4 MW to 122.4 MW.

In its 60 years of operation, the plant has generated an impressive 6 743 551 814 kW/h of renewable energy.

An interesting and unique detail in the machine hall of Kardzhali HPP is the panel created by the artist Nikolay Tyurkedjiev in 1985. The figures in the panel symbolize energy, which is at the heart of any economy, and peace, which united create the rise. There is also much symbolism woven into the painting related to the energy of water.