The project for new nuclear units at the Kozloduy NPP is irreversible, in a year we will know how much the reactors will cost

The project to build new nuclear units at the Kozloduy NPP is now irreversible. This was announced in the Council of Ministers by Energy Minister Vladimir Malinov, who participated in the signing ceremony of an engineering contract for new nuclear facilities at Site No. 2 of the Kozloduy NPP. A consortium "Westinghouse - HC DZZD" has already been established, which will be responsible for the preparation of all documents and deadlines related to the construction of two new units with AP 1000 technology. The consortium is between "Westinghouse Electric Companies" and "Hyundai Engineering & construction". Today's engineering contract was signed by Kozloduy NPP Executive Director Petyo Ivanov, Elias Gedion of Westinghouse Electric Company, and Yong Jun Yun on behalf of Hyundai Engineering and Construction.

Malinov recalled that the cabinet's main priority is the development of nuclear energy in strict compliance with all international standards for safety and environmental protection. With today's event, one of the key stages is being implemented, which are laid down in the decision of the National Assembly - namely to make the process irreversible. Malinov hopes and believes that within 12 months, the engineering of the project will be ready, there will be a clear commitment from the two companies regarding the implementation period, as well as a fixed price for its implementation. This, in parallel with the efforts of Bulgaria for the financial structuring of the project and the provision of financing, will enable a final report to be proposed to the National Assembly in the fourth quarter of next year. A construction permit for the 7th block will already be issued for it, the minister explained.

This will enable the parliament to make a final investment decision on the future of units 7 and 8 of the Kozloduy NPP. The minister expressed hope that within a period shorter than 10 years, our country will have a working project that will be a guarantee for the Bulgarian economy and population, that our country will have clean energy at an affordable price. According to him, it seems more and more realistic that Bulgaria will be the first in Europe with nuclear units using AP 1000 technology.

The engineering contract for new nuclear capacities at site #2 of the Kozloduy NPP is key and a priority for the caretaker government, said the caretaker Prime Minister Dimitar Glavchev at the contract signing ceremony in the Council of Ministers.

Bulgaria has more than 50 years of experience in the field of building nuclear power, ever since the Kozloduy NPP existed. With the signing of the contract, a project will be implemented that will build on the experience that Bulgaria has in this area and will contribute to the independence, diversification and stability of nuclear energy in Bulgaria and throughout Southeast Europe. We are convinced that this is the right path, emphasized the Prime Minister, quoted by BTA.

We are glad to be together with Westinghouse and Hyundai, because they are undisputed leaders in this field, and we prefer to work with such investors who are absolutely transparent and clear, with proven international experience, said the Prime Minister. He pointed out that recently there has been a renaissance in the field of nuclear energy, as it is a proven path to zero carbon emissions and green development, which are European goals.

Hyundai will put all its efforts and experience into the new nuclear power project

In the project for new nuclear capacities at the Kozloduy NPP, we will put all our efforts into a spirit of challenge and commitment, said Yong Jun Yun, a representative of Hyundai Engineering and Construction.

Bulgaria has always been a crossroads of exchange between the East and the West, and today it is asserting itself as an energy hub in Europe, emphasized Yong Jun Yun. According to him, the nuclear plant in Kozloduy will play an important role in increasing Bulgaria's nuclear security, in promoting sustainable development through decarbonization. We accept this as our mission and are proud to be able to contribute to the realization of Bulgaria's future vision, said Yong Jun Yun.

He said Hyundai is a driving force in South Korea's economic development and the only company to have successfully completed 24 nuclear projects on time and on budget since 1971. "What is well begun is half done", quoted a Korean proverb, the representative of "Hyundai" and expressed his conviction that what was started today will mark a new chapter in the future energy development of Bulgaria. In order to achieve success, we must all work together as a team, Yong Joon Yoon also said.

“Westinghouse " is looking for more suppliers for its nuclear project in our country

The senior vice president of Westinghouse, Elias Gedion, is also convinced of the good cooperation on the project for new nuclear units of the Kozloduy NPP. In front of the experts and the media, he reminded that the company has already signed memoranda of cooperation with 22 Bulgarian companies. And more contractors are expected to be added to the list. He also recalled the main parameters of the AP 1000 nuclear unit in terms of passive systems, modular design and small CO2 footprint. Currently, 12 nuclear units of this type are under construction in the world, and by 2030 the total number of such plants in operation will be 18.

We are immediately starting work on the project in Bulgaria. I hope we will complete the task, support Kozloduy and NS and by the end of next year or the beginning of 2026 we will have clarity on the first AP 1000 nuclear unit in Europe, Gedion said.