The Bulgarian Council of Ministers has approved measures allowing continued maintenance of the Kozloduy nuclear power plant by permitting exceptions for the import of original spare parts from Russia through multiple procedures related to the facility. The decision aims to ensure uninterrupted repairs and prevent further technical disruptions.
The move comes after a series of issues affecting a key component in Unit 6, where problems with membrane equipment persisted for several months. According to caretaker Energy Minister Traicho Traikov, the latest intervention has resolved the malfunction, and the unit is now operating at full capacity without further complications.
Authorities have established a dedicated review body to investigate both the technical and procedural aspects of the incident. While the malfunction did not pose any safety risk to personnel or the plant, it resulted in reduced electricity output and significant financial losses. The findings of the investigation are expected to be published once the review is completed.
The government’s decision enables the continuation of planned maintenance and supply activities without interruption, with officials stating that the measure is intended to prevent similar technical issues in the future and maintain stable operations at Bulgaria’s only nuclear facility, Kozloduy Nuclear Power Plant.
The issue originated in late last year when Unit 6 was temporarily taken offline as a precaution after a fault was detected in a protective membrane device within the turbine system. The shutdown, carried out in mid-December, allowed for the replacement of the component and helped prevent further damage.
