Bulgaria is exploring the possibility of deploying small modular reactors on its territory. This became clear from the words of Energy Minister Zhecho Stankov during a briefing in New York, specified "Nova TV".
„After signing a joint statement with the US Secretary of Energy on their assistance for sites on Bulgarian territory for small modular reactors – "This is a new modern technology that attracts investments, the normal next step is to start talks with potential companies that develop such technologies," he said.
Stankov also announced that he would leave for Canada, where the first site for small modular reactors will be built.
He also recalled Bulgaria's decision to support a regulation according to which short-term contracts for Russian gas will be terminated in 2026, and long-term ones - from 2028. "This gives Bulgaria the potential to be a transit country for natural gas and LNG from the US. Yesterday, two deliveries were confirmed - for October and November," the minister emphasized.
Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov, for his part, commented on the importance of energy diversification. "Diversification of electricity and natural gas is becoming increasingly important. We talked about the supply of green energy from the Caspian region - 6 gigawatts from Azerbaijan.
The construction of energy channels under the Black Sea is becoming more and more realistic. Green energy will be another source of electricity for Bulgaria and Europe. We are paying special attention to the construction of our infrastructure“, he pointed out.““As a government, we are not ostriches that will bury their heads in the sand. Whenever a large political group from the EP addresses the EC with specific requests, we must pay due attention. We will carefully consider the arguments. But the government has never interfered in the work of the independent Bulgarian court“, commented the Prime Minister in connection with the request of “Renew Europe” to suspend Bulgaria's EU funds due to the arrest of Blagomir Kotsev.“
Zhelyazkov explained that he is closely following the topic. The request to suspend the funds concerned a resource of about 6 billion euros.
Foreign Minister Georg Georgiev also made a statement regarding the Bulgarian with dual citizenship, who was forcibly mobilized in Odessa. “In our work, we aim for efficiency, not publicity. He has already been issued a Bulgarian passport, with which he can freely leave Ukraine. If we want to get the job done, we should do it instead of making a fuss. What has been done so far, I believe, gives reason to say that Bulgaria is working in the right direction“, he commented.
Earlier, the Prime Minister and the Energy Minister held a meeting with the Chief Corporate Officer of General Electric Vernova, Roger Martella. The conversation took place in New York and was also attended by the CEO of the Bulgarian Energy Holding Valentin Nikolov, the CEO of the Kozloduy – New Power Plants“ EAD Petyo Ivanov and MPs.
During the meeting, it was also discussed that the Bulgarian government is exploring the possibility of deploying small modular reactors.
Prime Minister Zhelyazkov recalled that the first step in this direction was the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), signed on August 22, 2024 between the Bulgarian Energy Holding and GE-Hitachi Nuclear Energy International LLC, which explores the potential development of a BWRX-300 reactor power plant project in Bulgaria.
The future deployment of small modular reactors (SMRs) in Bulgaria will be in addition to the current project to build two Westinghouse AP1000 units at the Kozloduy NPP site and will further support Bulgaria's leadership among the nuclear countries of Southeastern Europe. The Government recognizes the role of small modular reactors (SMRs) as an emerging technology that can provide long-term stability, predictability, affordability and low-emission baseload electricity generation.
During the conversation, Prime Minister Zhelyazkov highlighted our country's significant experience in operating its existing nuclear power plant, as well as regulatory experience, trained workforce and educational programs.
During the meeting, other projects for cooperation with General Electric such as new combined cycle power plants and combined cycle power plants were also discussed. A future such plant would be a key prospect that would preserve the complex's role as an energy hub in the country and the region.
“Green energy generated in the Caspian region will be another source of electricity for Europe, including Bulgaria“, said Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov after his meeting with Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev. The two spoke in New York within the framework of the 80th regular session of the UN General Assembly. The meeting was also attended by Foreign Minister Georg Georgiev and Energy Minister Zhecho Stankov.
Prime Minister Zhelyazkov specifically highlighted the growing importance of diversifying sources of electricity and natural gas. This was the focus of Prime Minister Zhelyazkov's meeting with President Aliyev today.
“We spoke very specifically about the supply of green energy from the Caspian region - 6 gigawatts from Azerbaijan“ , the Prime Minister noted and added that together with the other countries of the Caspian basin - Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan, the possibilities are increasing to 10 gigawatts. Therefore, the construction of a cable under the Black Sea, but also cables that involve Georgia, Armenia, through Turkey, is becoming more and more realistic, Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov pointed out.
The meeting between Zhelyazkov and Aliyev also discussed the potential of Balkan Stream and the inclusion of the Southern Gas Corridor for expanding supplies of Azerbaijani gas to Europe.
“Bulgaria is an important corridor and therefore we pay special attention to the construction of our vertical and horizontal infrastructure“, the Prime Minister also stated.