TWO INTERNATIONAL COMPANIES EXPRESS INTEREST IN INVESTING IN BELENE NUCLEAR PROJECT

Two international companies are keen to invest in "Belene" nuclear project, the Bulgarian Ministry of Energy told BNT on 28th of November. However, companies at this stage can only request details about the nuclear plant, but cannot make specific proposals because the project itself is not ready for privatisation.

The Ministry of Energy has said it has not declined to meet with any of the companies as regards Belene project. The procedure the ministry follows is to invite investors and to present the opportunities. Neither of the two companies they have met, so far, have assured that they will necessarily participate in building of the second nuclear power plant when the project is formally launched for privatisation.

Before that, two requirements need to be fulfilled, the energy ministry explained. First, Bulgaria has to pay Russia nearly 620 million Euros for the two reactors in compliance with the decision of the International Court of Arbitration. The amount has been approved by the Bulgarian National Assembly, but awaits authorisation by the European Commission regarding the provision of state aid, after which, payment will be made.

Once the reactors become Bulgarian, the country will spin off Belene NPP from the National Electricity Company and will announce the project for sale. After that, the negotiations for the construction of the project will start.