PM Borissov: Contract between Kozloduy NPP and Westinghouse Electric Sweden is another step for Bulgaria towards diversification

The signing of the contract with Westinghouse Electric Sweden today, February 4, is another step for Bulgaria towards diversification, Bulgaria’s Prime Minister Boyko Borissov said.

He participated in the ceremony for signing the contract between Kozloduy Nuclear Power Plant (NPP) and Westinghouse Electric Sweden for the development of safety analyses for licensing and implementation of an alternative type of nuclear fuel for Unit 5 of the nuclear power plant in Bulgaria.

The agreement marks the beginning of the second stage of the process of licensing nuclear fuel for Unit 5 of Kozloduy NPP in implementation of the programme for diversification of fresh nuclear fuel supplies.

The procedure for licensing of alternative nuclear fuel in Bulgaria is realised with the joint work of experts with proven experience in the field of nuclear energy from Bulgaria, the USA and Sweden.

During the ceremony, Prime Minister Boyko Borissov, emphasised the geostrategic importance of what Bulgaria is currently doing to protect its national security and stressed that diversification is an essential element.

"We started with the diversification of our fighter aircrafts, with the acquisition of new F16 block 70 aircraft. We went through the purchase of 20% of the liquefied gas terminal in Alexandroupolis and financed the construction of the interconnector with Greece, which will be ready this year, he said..

"Under the Three Seas initiative, we are making very rapid progress on the expansion of the Chiren gas storage facility, which, together with the gas connection with Greece, will ensure the supply and storage of liquefied natural gas," the PM added.

On the topic of nuclear energy, he said that the construction of the 7th and 8th reactors at Kozloduy NPP is extremely important for Bulgaria, as the country follows the EU Green Deal in respect of nuclear energy and has experience in the field.

The contract was signed today by the executive director of Kozloduy NPP, Nasko Mihov and the Vice President and Managing Director of Westinghouse Electric Sweden, Aziz Dag. The event was attended by Bulgaria’s Minister of Energy Temenuzhka Petkova, the US Ambassador, Herro Mustafa, and the Ambassador of the Kingdom of Sweden, Katarina Rangnitt.

"With the agreement we signed today, we have taken another important step in the implementation of the European Energy Security Strategy, part of which is the complete diversification of nuclear supplies and services for all nuclear power plants in the European Union," the head of Kozloduy NPP, Nasko Mihov, said at the ceremony. He expressed confidence that the cooperation with Westinghouse will continue to develop for the benefit of the Bulgarian nuclear energy sector.

Aziz Dag, Vice President and Managing Director of Westinghouse Electric Sweden, expressed satisfaction with the partnership with the Kozloduy NPP team. "This will be a real partnership between our two companies so that we can guarantee fuel supplies in the future to ensure energy diversification in Bulgaria," he said.

Minister of Energy, Temenuzhka Petkova, noted that with the signing of today's agreement, the process of full diversification of the supply of fresh nuclear fuel for Bulgaria becomes irreversible. "In this way, we as a government are fulfilling one of our main commitments and priorities in the energy sector - namely the diversification of energy resources," Petkova said.

The US Ambassador to Bulgaria, Herro Mustafa, pointed out that today's step crowns with success many years of work towards achieving the next level of diversification. "It is a real pride for us to be here with you. This step is to the benefit of Bulgaria, the diversification, the provision of secure and diverse supplies of energy sources," Ambassador Mustafa said.

The Ambassador of the Kingdom of Sweden, Katarina Rangnitt, noted that the signing of today's contract will be beneficial not only for the two companies, but also for Bulgaria and Sweden.

The preparation of a detailed and in-depth safety assessment is required by the Bulgarian legislation in order to obtain a permit for the commissioning of an alternative type of fuel assemblies. After the finalisation of the activities under the contract, the development will be presented to the Nuclear Regulatory Agency for obtaining a permit for commissioning of the alternative cartridges.

The preparation of safety analyses is part of Kozloduy NPP Programme for diversification of fresh nuclear fuel supplies, which includes the individual stages of the process. The programme is coordinated with the Euratom Supply Agency. The European Energy Security Strategy requires a comprehensive diversified portfolio of supplies of nuclear materials and services in the nuclear fuel cycle for all nuclear power plant operators in the European Union. The aim is to ensure the continuous and safe operation of nuclear facilities, security and reliability in the generation of electricity for the population and industry of the EU member states.

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