A major milestone in nuclear infrastructure development has been achieved in Bulgaria with the official launch of a national repository for radioactive waste located near the Kozloduy nuclear power plant.
The newly completed facility is designed to store radioactive waste generated by industry, healthcare, and households, as well as materials arising from the decommissioning of older nuclear units and the operation of future reactors. With a planned operational lifespan of around 60 years, the site will continue to be monitored for centuries afterward to ensure long-term environmental and operational safety.
Officials have described the repository as a key element in completing Bulgaria’s nuclear fuel cycle, strengthening the country’s position among European leaders in nuclear energy management. The complex includes dozens of reinforced structures capable of accommodating tens of thousands of waste containers, providing a centralized and controlled long-term storage solution.
The project has a long development history, beginning in 2005 when responsibility was assigned to the State Enterprise Radioactive Waste. Following years of planning, site selection, and engineering design, construction officially began in 2017 at the Radiana site.
Financing for the project combined both international and domestic sources, with significant support provided through the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) via the International Kozloduy Fund, alongside national contributions. The facility received its operating permit earlier in 2026, paving the way for its formal commissioning and launch.
