The Bulgarian government is actively working to expand the portfolio of Bulgarian nuclear energy with new modern technologies and to build on the country's over 50 years of experience in the operation of nuclear power. Small modular reactor projects are among the most advanced technologies in the development of the sector. This was said by Energy Minister Zhecho Stankov during his conversation with his colleague – Minister of Energy and Mining of Ontario, Canada, Stephen Leche. The two discussed deepening energy cooperation between the countries, with a main emphasis on the implementation of small modular reactor technologies. A Bulgarian delegation led by Minister Stankov is visiting the province of Ontario, where Ontario Power Generation is building the first of four planned BWRX-300 small modular reactors at the Darlington Nuclear Power Plant. This reactor is scheduled to be completed by the end of this decade, and all four by the middle of the next.
The implementation of this state-of-the-art technology is a chance for Bulgaria to assert its leadership role in the production of emission-free, clean and affordable energy for the entire region of Southeastern Europe, Minister Stankov emphasized. According to him, the traditions that our country has in the sector are an excellent basis for its future modern development.
Earlier this week, at a meeting with Roger Martella, Corporate Director of General Electric Vernova in New York, where Minister Stankov participated in the Bulgarian delegation, led by Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov, for the 80th session of the UN General Assembly, the Bulgarian side confirmed its interest in developing this new technology, which can ensure long-term stability, predictability and affordable prices for the electricity produced.
As an important step in their targeted efforts to research and develop this technology in the country, Minister Stankov and his counterpart from the United States of America - Secretary of Energy Chris Wright - signed a joint statement confirming the objectives of the intergovernmental agreement concluded between the two countries to strengthen civil nuclear cooperation. The document provides an opportunity for Bulgaria to benefit from the expertise of American laboratories in a feasibility study to assess the suitability of potential sites for accelerated implementation of small modular reactors.
This modern and innovative technology provides stable and predictable baseload electricity production, the main advantages of which are modularity, flexibility and increased safety. They are assembled on site during their production, which reduces construction time and costs. They can work in combination with renewable energy and balance fluctuations in production. They have passive safety systems that are activated automatically without human intervention or external power supply.
Small modular reactors usually have a capacity of between 50 and 300 megawatts, unlike classic ones, which are over 1,000 megawatts. This makes them suitable for smaller energy systems and regions. They can provide clean and reliable energy with low carbon emissions. They are considered a key technology for the energy transition and the fight against climate change.