Interview with Nikolay Chavdarov, Head of Power Planning division, Elektroenergien Sistemen Operator EAD (ESO), Bulgaria
We are excited to feature the latest interview in our #MeetTheCABLEGNOSISTeam series—an initiative that brings you closer to the people behind the CABLEGNOSIS project. Today, we introduce Nikolay Chavdarov, Head of the Power Planning Division at ESO, the Bulgarian Transmission System Operator (TSO) and a partner in the CABLEGNOSIS project. In this interview, Nikolay shares insights into his background, ESO’s role in CABLEGNOSIS, the challenges and opportunities the project presents, and its expected impact on the future of energy infrastructure.
“Keen to create innovative solutions in CABLEGNOSIS for enhancing reliability of HVAC cable systems” – Nikolay Chavdarov, Head of Power Planning division at ESO
Can you introduce yourself and share a bit about your background?
I am Head of the Power Planning Division at the National Dispatch Centre of the Bulgarian TSO – ESO. My work focuses on the development of the national Ten-Year Network Development Plan (TYNDP), adequacy and flexibility assessments, and feasibility studies for major strategic transmission projects. These include large-scale cross-border initiatives such as the HVAC interconnection corridor linking Georgia and Azerbaijan to Bulgaria via Türkiye, as well as the broader East–West Transmission Corridor, spanning from Türkiye to Italy. Both projects aim to strengthen regional interconnectivity and facilitate the integration of renewable energy sources.
What is ESO’s role in the CABLEGNOSIS project?
At ESO, we are actively involved across all activities and tasks within the CABLEGNOSIS project. Our primary contributions include defining technology requirements, developing use cases, establishing key performance indicators, and preparing evaluation and testing frameworks.
In addition, we support the development of advanced solutions specifically tailored to the CABLEGNOSIS objectives—such as high-power cable design concepts, innovative monitoring approaches, and enhanced fault location technologies. ESO also contributes to shaping and validating the Life Cycle Centre IT platform, ensuring it reflects the real operational needs of transmission system operators and effectively supports the full lifecycle management of cable assets.
From your point of view, why is innovation in cable recycling important?
Innovation in cable recycling is essential for ensuring the sustainability of future power systems. As transmission networks expand, particularly with the deployment of high-capacity submarine and underground cables, there is growing importance in managing materials efficiently at the end of their lifecycle.
At the same time, advancing technologies related to increased transmission capacity, real-time monitoring, and accurate fault detection are critical for maintaining security of supply and enabling the clean energy transition. CABLEGNOSIS uniquely combines these aspects by addressing not only performance and reliability, but also circularity and environmental impact.
What are the biggest challenges you face in the project—and how are you addressing them?
One of the main challenges lies in the development and integration of the Life Cycle Centre IT platform, which must aggregate and process diverse data streams while remaining user-oriented and applicable across different system operators.
What are your expectations from the project? What kind of impact do you think CABLEGNOSIS will have on the energy ecosystem?
CABLEGNOSIS is expected to deliver innovative and integrated solutions that support the expansion and modernization of transmission networks. By enhancing cable performance, reliability, and sustainability, the project will contribute to securing the decarbonization process and improving the overall resilience of the energy system.
In the longer term, CABLEGNOSIS will play a key role in enabling next-generation infrastructure—facilitating cross-border electricity exchange, integrating large volumes of renewable energy, and promoting more sustainable lifecycle practices within the energy sector.
Thank you, Nikolay, for being with us today.
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