Bulgaria’s sole nuclear power plant Kozloduy is moving forward with preparations to test alternative nuclear fuel in unit 6, marking another step in the country’s strategy to reduce dependence on Russian suppliers and diversify its nuclear fuel sources.
NPP Kozloduy Director Ivan Andreev confirmed that revised documentation has been resubmitted to the Nuclear Regulatory Agency after an earlier application was returned due to technical deficiencies. According to both the operator and regulator, the identified issues have now been addressed, and the proposal is currently undergoing a substantive review process. Experimental fuel assemblies supplied by Westinghouse are planned for introduction into unit 6 as part of the qualification process before broader deployment of the new fuel type.
At the same time, NPP Kozloduy is expanding cooperation with other international suppliers. Representatives of French Framatome are expected to visit the plant later this month for discussions regarding future fuel deliveries for unit 6. Current schedules foresee the arrival of fuel shipments by November, while contractual provisions include penalties in case of delays.
Officials emphasized that the French fuel design is compatible with existing reactor requirements. Even if deliveries were postponed, the plant has sufficient fuel reserves to maintain operations well into the next decade, reducing immediate concerns about supply security. Diversification of nuclear fuel supply remains a broader strategic priority for the facility.
Andreev noted that transactions involving Russian suppliers have become increasingly complicated due to sanctions-related restrictions and concerns among financial institutions about secondary sanctions. These obstacles have slowed payment processing and complicated procurement procedures.
To address these risks, NPP Kozloduy has been expanding its network of alternative suppliers. A growing share of equipment, valves, and technical components is now sourced from Bulgarian manufacturers and companies across the European Union. The utility is also exploring substitute suppliers for specialized membrane systems and other critical equipment.
