US-based Westinghouse Electric Company signed memorandums of understanding with key Bulgarian suppliers to support the upcoming AP1000® nuclear projects at the Kozloduy Nuclear Power Plant site in northern Bulgaria and other projects throughout the region.
The signed MoUs outline the potential for manufacturing of key components, including instrumentation and controls (I&C) systems, radiation monitoring systems, as well as providing various engineering, consulting and construction services. The suppliers include OSKAR-EL, Glavbolgarstroy, ENPRO Consult, EnergoService and EQE Bulgaria.
“I am proud that a US company, Westinghouse, can partner with the Ministry of Energy and Parliament on this important project,” said US Ambassador to Bulgaria Kenneth Merten. “This MoU signing paves the way for growth in the nuclear sector, economic growth in Bulgaria and clean no-carbon energy.”
“We continue to make excellent progress on the front-end engineering and design study for up to two AP1000 reactors at the Kozloduy site,” said David Durham, President of Energy Systems, Westinghouse. “The Bulgarian nuclear supply chain is deeply experienced and will be critical in supporting our successful delivery of the world’s most advanced, proven AP1000 reactor for our customer.”
The AP1000 is the only operating Generation III+ reactor with fully passive safety systems, modular construction design and the smallest footprint per MWe on the market. Poland recently selected the AP1000 reactor for its first nuclear program. In the US, at the Vogtle site in Georgia, one AP1000 unit is producing power for the grid while a second unit recently completed its initial fuel load with commercial operations likely in early 2024. Four AP1000 reactors are currently setting operational performance and availability records in China with six additional reactors under construction there and two more selected. The technology is also under consideration at multiple other sites in Central and Eastern Europe, the United Kingdom and North America.