A new type of nuclear fuel produced by US-based company Westinghouse has already been loaded in Unit 5 of Bulgaria’s Kozloduy Nuclear Power Plant.
Bulgaria’s Prime Minister Dimitar Glavchev noted that the country is completing a phase of a lengthy process, which started with the first talks with Westinghouse in 2009 and 2010. The Prime Minister identified today as a very important moment in the development of Bulgaria’s nuclear energy, as it has achieved real diversification and a break from the nearly full dependence on Russia.
“It’s always good to have a choice,” he stated. “That is what diversification provides us with, a choice that offers better opportunities with a hundred per cent safety and security.” In his words, the implementation of this project is another step in promoting Bulgaria as a predictable partner with a significant role in guaranteeing the energy security of South-East Europe.
“For the first time in its 50-year history, Kozloduy Nuclear Power Plant will work with an alternative fuel to implement the Government’s overall program and Bulgaria’s strategy for diversification and security in the field of nuclear energy,” Energy Minister Vladimir Malinov stressed.
He assured the audience that, with the construction of units 7 and 8 of NPP Kozloduy, Bulgaria would continue to pursue consistently its nuclear development objectives. The production of nuclear energy is emission-free, fully in line with the EU Green Deal criteria and affordable to consumers.