“The project to build new nuclear capacities at the Kozloduy Nuclear Power Plant site, together with nuclear fuel diversification, is the most significant one for the Bulgarian economy,” stated Energy Minister Vladimir Malinov during the conference Bulgarian Atomic Energy – national, regional and global energy security organised by Bulatom. “It will fulfil one of Bulgaria’s strategic objectives in the context of energy transformation, the transition to low-emission and sustainable energy sources,” he added.
As underlined by the Minister, one of the most important aspects of socio-economic contributions from the construction of units 7 and 8 at Kozloduy Nuclear Power Plant relates to the participation of Bulgarian companies at all stages of the project, which stands at 30-40 per cent.
“The government’s response to the need to transform the sector is subject to the understanding that achieving climate neutrality by 2050 is a feasible task requiring a special focus on investment in low carbon sources,” the Minister said. “Nuclear power ranks high among them.” In his words, the development of nuclear energy in the country, in strict compliance with international standards of safety, protection of the environment and human health, is a major factor in guaranteeing our energy and national security.
Recently, during the planned annual renovation of Unit 5 of Kozloduy Nuclear Power Plant, it was loaded with an alternative type of nuclear fuel, namely that of the US Westinghouse. “This is a decisive step in implementing the diversification agenda, which means a choice – to be more secure and independent in achieving better economic conditions,” Minister Malinov noted. According to the Energy Minister, supplies from a reliable source represent a main advantage in the safe operation of our nuclear power plant.