Prime Minister Dimitar Glavchev: Today we build on Bulgaria’s 50-year experience in nuclear power plant operation

Prime Minister Dimitar Glavchev: Today we build on Bulgaria's 50-year experience in nuclear power plant operation

04.11.2024

"Bulgaria has 50-year long experience in the safe and secure operation of nuclear facilities. Today we build on this experience." The statement was made by Prime Minister Dimitar Glavchev at the signing ceremony for an engineering contract for the construction of new nuclear facilities at Site 2 of the Kozloduy Nuclear Power Plant. As he said, the construction of new nuclear facilities is of key importance for secure and reliable energy supplies to Bulgarian customers and to the whole region of Southeast Europe. "Our work with the undisputed leaders Westinghouse and Hyundai in this project is a serious step towards the achievement of one of the Government's main priorities which is nuclear power development," the Prime Minister noted.

The signing ceremony for the engineering contract between Kozloduy NPP - New Builds PLC and the consortium Westinghouse HDEC was attended by Energy Minister Vladimir Malinov, US Ambassador to Bulgaria H. E. Mr. Kenneth Merten, Head of Mission of the Embassy of the Republic of Korea to Bulgaria Mrs. Ji I Cho and other officials.

The conclusion of the contract is a key stage in the implementation of the project for the construction of a new nuclear facility in Bulgaria. The joint operation of the two world companies - Westinghouse and Hyundai - to provide an integrated service in Bulgaria will guarantee the completion of the project in keeping with the pre-agreed schedule and allocated budget.

"The development of nuclear power in strict compliance with international standards of safety and protection of the environment is one of the Government's main priorities. Our consistent efforts and energetic work together with our partners from Westinghouse and Hyundai to achieve this priority have led to today's result - the conclusion of an engineering contract for new facilities. This is a key stage that makes the process irreversible," said Energy Minister Vladimir Malinov as he addressed the participants in the ceremony. He emphasized the fact that as a result of today's conclusion of the contract, within the next twelve months we will have a clear commitment to the schedule and to the financing of the new facilities.

As US Ambassador to Bulgaria H. E. Mr. Kenneth Merten noted: The United States supports Bulgaria's long-term efforts to ensure sustainable and secure energy for customers. The construction of two new units at the site of the Kozloduy NPP using the latest АР 1000 technology is crucial for the country's position as a sure and reliable partner in the supply of clean energy to the region of Southeast Europe.

The Head of Mission of the Embassy of the Republic of Kore to Bulgaria Mrs. Ji I Cho underscored: This is a key project for the energy future of Bulgaria and for the partnership between Bulgaria and Korea. The new facilities will provide a reliable source of electricity for the energy mix of the country and an opportunity for energy sovereignty, diversification and security of supply.