The Bulgarian government set out the ambition after the ministers held talks with Roger Martella, GE Vernova’s Chief Corporate Officer, in New York.
The prime minister’s office’s report on the meeting said “the parties discussed the possibilities for implementing small modular reactors in Bulgaria – as a new technology that can ensure long-term stability, predictability, accessibility and low emissions in the production of electricity and baseload energy”.
And the Energy Ministry quoted Energy Minister Stankov as saying: “Bulgaria is among the countries in Europe that are actively investing in modern energy infrastructure and strategic partnerships to ensure security and access to energy at fair prices. The potential collaboration with GE Vernova will provide us with access to global experience and technologies that can support Bulgaria in achieving its strategic goals – energy security, decarbonisation and economic growth.”
During the meeting the prime minister “highlighted our country’s significant experience in operating its existing nuclear power plant, as well as regulatory experience, trained workforce, and educational programmes”.
He also noted that a memorandum of understanding was signed last year with GE Vernova Hitachi Nuclear Energy about exploring the development of a BWRX-300 project in Bulgaria.
Background
Kozloduy is home to two operating VVER-1000 reactors that were connected to the grid in 1987 and 1991, respectively, and together provide around a third of Bulgaria’s electricity. Both units have been through refurbishment and life-extension programmes to enable extension of operation from 30 to 60 years. Four older VVER-230 units were closed ahead of Bulgaria joining the European Union in 2007.
The USA and Bulgaria signed an intergovernmental agreement to cooperate on the development of Bulgaria’s civil nuclear programme, including the plan for the new units at Kozloduy, in early 2024, and Hyundai Engineering & Construction, Westinghouse and Kozloduy NPP-New Builds signed an engineering contract in November. The aim is for unit 7 to be operational in 2035 and unit 8 in 2037.
