“We need to have clear and measurable goals in nuclear energy. This will give a strong impetus to the development of the sector, which is now experiencing a renaissance in Europe.“ This was said by the Minister of Energy Zhecho Stankov during his conversation with the Senior Executive Vice President of Framatome, Ms. Catherine Cornan. Minister Stankov emphasized the key importance of the sector in ensuring energy security in the country and the region. “Thanks to the development of the potential in nuclear energy, Bulgaria will retain its role as a net exporter of electricity, but this is no longer enough. We are actively working to build on this potential with opportunities to build data centers near the new units at the Kozloduy NPP site, he said.
According to him, cooperation with Framatome is key to implementing the priorities related to nuclear fuel diversification. After the first fuel cartridges produced by Westinghouse were loaded into the fifth unit of the Kozloduy NPP last year, the first deliveries from Framatome for the sixth unit are expected in 2026.
Providing personnel for the development of nuclear energy was a central topic in the conversation between Minister Stankov and Catherine Cornan. In view of the implementation of the new energy projects, Minister Stankov presented the initiative to return young and educated Bulgarians from abroad and to retain those who are here, providing opportunities for professional development and a good quality of life.
The two interlocutors agreed that the operation of the “Kozloduy“ NPP, the development of the project for units 7 and 8, as well as the prospects for the construction of new combined cycle nuclear power plants in the country are among the most significant opportunities for deepening cooperation between us while maximizing the potential and capacity of Bulgarian companies in this process. Minister Stankov pointed out that about 10 thousand people are expected to be employed at the peak of the construction of the new nuclear capacities.