Bulgaria and the United States signed an Intergovernmental Agreement on cooperation on the Project for the construction of nuclear capacity on the Kozloduy nuclear power plant (NPP) site and the civil nuclear program in Bulgaria.
The Agreement is based on a common commitment to the highest state-of-the-art standards of nuclear safety, security and nuclear safeguards. It aims at responsible use of nuclear energy to promote energy security, meet clean energy needs and deepen bilateral strategic relations. The Agreement includes concrete cooperation on the project to build new nuclear capacity at the Kozloduy Nuclear Power Plant site, as well as the supply of nuclear fuel, training and exchange of personnel and knowledge, legal framework and so on.
In his speech, Bulgaria’s Minister of Energy Rumen Radev underlined the importance of the signed Intergovernmental Agreement, which reinforces both sides’ commitment to a strategic nuclear partnership. He stressed that Bulgaria is a country with almost half-century of experience in the safe and reliable management of nuclear reactors, with strong scientific and educational traditions and the United States is a leader in nuclear technology, safety, security and non-proliferation.
“With this agreement, we are actively working towards our common goal of a safer, cleaner and more sustainable future,” he said. “And providing affordable and secure energy. Along with the creation of thousands of new jobs and job opportunities, training and economic growth, not only for the northwestern Bulgaria region but for the whole country.”
Andrew Light, US Assistant Secretary of Energy for International Affairs, said that the event marks a significant milestone in the development of the strategic partnership between the United States and Bulgaria. “The ratification of this agreement will play a vital role in promoting the security and decarbonisation not only of the Bulgarian but also of the European energy sector and will support Bulgaria’s efforts to strengthen all aspects of its civil nuclear program, including nuclear safety and security, nuclear fuel supply and the regulatory framework,” he added.
The Agreement also covers regulatory cooperation based on the agreement signed at the end of last year between the Nuclear Regulatory Agency of Bulgaria and the Nuclear Regulatory Commission of the United States for the exchange of technical information and cooperation, laboratory and university exchanges, training and exchange of personnel, supply chain development, research and development.