29.05.2024
Energy security, reliability of supply and safe operation are the benefits to be enjoyed by Bulgaria after loading Unit 5 of the Kozloduy Nuclear Power Plant (NPP) with a new type of nuclear fuel that is a product of Westinghouse. An official ceremony was held today on the precincts of the NPP to mark the implementation of the alternative type of fuel and was attended by Prime Minister Dimitar Glavchev, Minister of Energy Vladimir Malinov, US Ambassador to Bulgaria Kenneth Merten and other officials.
Prime Minister Dimitar Glavchev noted the conclusion of a long process where the first talks with Westinghouse started back in 2009 and 2010. The Prime Minister singled out the present day as a very important milestone in the development of the Bulgarian nuclear power with the achievement of real diversification and breakaway from the almost complete dependence on Russia. “It is always good to have a choice. Diversification gives us exactly this – a choice that offers better opportunities with hundred percent safety and security,” Mr. Glavchev said further. In his words, the implementation of this project is another step to make the country a predictable partner with a significant role in the energy security in the region of Southeast Europe.
“For the first time in its 50-year long life, the Kozloduy NPP will operate on alternative fuel in implementation of the Government’s comprehensive program and Bulgaria’s strategy for diversification and security in the nuclear power sector,” Energy Minister Vladimir Malinov pointed out. He assured the attending audience that the completion of Unit 7 and Unit 8 of the Kozloduy NPP would enable the government to continue its dedicated pursuit of the goals that relate to the development of emission-free nuclear power that is fully in line with the European Green Deal criteria and affordable to consumers. Minister Vladimir Malinov recalled further that in March 2024 the Kozloduy NPP concluded a contract with the French company Framatome to provide alternative supplies of fresh nuclear fuel for the NPP’s Unit 6 as well.
