Bulgaria Starts the Construction of National Nuclear Waste Repository

The construction of a National Radioactive Waste Repository is very important for the future development of the Bulgarian nuclear power industry," Bulgaria’s Minister of Energy Temenuzhka Petkova said on 29^th of August during an official ceremony for the start of the construction of the National Repository for low- and medium-level radioactive waste.

Petkova and the head of the State Enterprise "Radioactive Waste" Dilyan Petrov turned the first sod for a National Nuclear Waste Repository. The ceremony was held on the territory of Kozloduy NPP where the repository will be built.

She added that the safe management of nuclear fuel and nuclear waste are among the priorities clearly set down in the government's programme.

Petrova said that all international standards in the construction of the repository will be met and it will be one of the most modern facilities in Europe.

The project for the construction of the National Radioactive Waste Repository is being implemented by the State Enterprise "Radioactive Waste". The facility is designed for processed and safe radioactive waste generated solely on the territory of Bulgaria. It will store low- and intermediate-level radioactive waste from industry, medicine and households; wastes generated during the decommissioning of the Kozloduy I-IV unit and the operation of future new nuclear power facilties. High-level radioactive waste and spent nuclear fuel will not be stored in the facilty. The repository's capacity is 138,200 cubic meter and is envisaged to be operated for 60 years, with strict control over both the site and the environment throughout the period. Once closed, it will be monitored for 300 years.

The first stage of the construction is funded by the Kozloduy International Fund through the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development to the amount of 71,820,000 euro. It will be completed in 2021.

The construction of the national radioactive waste repository is part of the commitments of Bulgaria as an EU member state, operating nuclear facilities. The German-Bulgarian consortium "National Radioactive Waste Repository" will build the first stage of the facility that includes 22 disposal cells. Leading partner in the consortium is NUKEM Technologies GmbH, including four Bulgarian companies.