In order to explore options for the construction of unit 7 at the approved site within the nuclear power plant Kozloduy, the Government has allowed the Bulgarian Energy Holding (BEH) to hold talks with US companies, including those offering small modular reactors, said Bulgarian Minister of Energy Temenuzhka Petkova.
Minister Petkova explained that the decision was prompted by the EU’s long-term policy of decarbonizing the economy and achieving net-zero emissions in the EU energy system by 2050. The Government also acted in line with the conclusions of the European Council from December last year, which acknowledged the need to respect the right of the member states to decide on their energy mix. One of the key arguments is that some countries have indicated that they use nuclear energy as part of their national energy mix because it guarantees energy security and does not generate emissions.
Earlier this week, during the visit to NPP Kozloduy, Prime Minister Boyko Borisov said that Bulgaria will built the new reactor at the plant by using US nuclear technology.
Bulgaria had already signed an agreement on the construction of unit 7 at NPP Kozloduy with US company Westinghouse, but the project was terminated in 2015, by the first Government led by Boyko Borisov.
