The Speaker of the National Assembly Natalia Kiselova participated in the First International Conference on Operational Behavior, Modeling and Experimental Maintenance of Fuel for Light Water Reactors in Nessebar.
In her address to the participants, she emphasized the contribution of the Institute for Nuclear Research and Nuclear Energy at the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences (INNER-BAS), the organizer of the event, in the field of nuclear physics and technologies, as well as their interactions with the environment.
Energy security and independence are key to the long-term sustainability of our country, which is pursuing a strategy for diversification of energy sources, development of nuclear energy and investments in green technologies with a goal of predictable and affordable prices for consumers, said the Speaker of the parliament in his speech to the forum participants. Therefore, it is particularly important to implement innovative scientific solutions to increase energy efficiency and reduce dependence on external suppliers, noted Natalia Kiselova.
The Speaker of the National Assembly emphasized the fundamental role of the energy sector in the state of the Bulgarian economy and expressed her confidence that there will be no deficits in energy resources, which in turn would lead to an increase in the prices of electricity, heat, natural gas and fuels.
A priority of the legislative authority, represented by the National Assembly, is to prepare legislative decisions aimed at encouraging investments in the existing infrastructure and unlocking additional funds for investments by companies in the state energy sector, said the Speaker of the Parliament.
According to Natalia Kiselova, the measures implemented to achieve decarbonization of the energy sector must be based on an updated National Strategy for Sustainable Energy Development, which should also take into account the aspect of the competitiveness of the economy, set out in the new vision of the European Commission. She added that the development of the Bulgarian energy sector is the stated priority for investments, new nuclear capacities and support for coal-fired power plants.
Natalia Kiselova expressed her expectations for in-depth scientific solutions to continue the development of the Bulgarian energy sector through new nuclear capacities, as well as for coal-fired power plants to receive the necessary support. She assured the scientists that the Bulgarian society relies on their expertise in making a final investment decision for the construction of new nuclear capacities at the site of the “Kozloduy“ NPP - unit 7 and unit 8. Natalia Kiselova emphasized that there is a political commitment to complete the project and for Bulgaria to be the first country in Europe to implement Westinghouse's AP1000 technology. The Speaker of the National Assembly expressed confidence that the report on concluding a contract for the construction of new nuclear power plants will be supported by the MPs after its submission to the parliament by the Council of Ministers.
In times when a new type of economy is emerging, in which artificial intelligence is increasingly playing a role, science is called upon to provide an answer to the existing social, demographic, ethical and energy challenges, said Natalia Kiselova. She emphasized the need for energy provision for capacities that support or develop artificial intelligence and databases, which will enable science to develop, including by attracting potential investors.
Natalia Kiselova wished the participants in the international conference to continue to carry out high-quality scientific research and innovations to implement important national programs, conducted at the level of the most modern scientific achievements.
The forum was attended by experts and leading scientists in the field of operation, modeling and experimental research of nuclear fuel from countries operating light water reactors.