The first delivery of fresh nuclear fuel produced by the American company Westinghouse is already at the site of the Kozloduy NPP, announced Prime Minister Dimitar Glavchev and Minister of Energy Vladimir Malinov, who visited the plant, the government information service reported.
On the territory of the plant, the Prime Minister and the Minister of Energy also visited the site where the 7th and 8th units of the “Kozloduy” NPP are planned to be built.
This is a key stage of the bilateral strategic partnership in the field of nuclear energy with our partners from the USA, we already have real diversification for the nuclear fuel for the 5th unit, noted Minister Malinov. He recalled that he had signed a contract with “Framatom“ for fuel diversification and for the 6th unit of the nuclear power plant. Thus, with the provision of access to reliable alternative supplies from the USA, complete independence is achieved for the Kozloduy NPP.
For Bulgaria, nuclear energy plays a key role in guaranteeing national, regional and European energy security and providing energy at affordable prices for consumers. It is the backbone of the energy system and for balancing the energy system in the entire region. The Bulgarian side strictly adheres to the commitment to achieve the highest modern standards for nuclear safety and security. In addition to fulfilling the goals of diversification and independence, the use of the new type of nuclear fuel will help to achieve the pan-European decarbonization goals. The strategic partnership between the “Kozloduy“ and “Westinghouse“ contributes to the common goal of a safer, cleaner and more sustainable future.
After the Nuclear Regulatory Agency has already issued a license for the deployment and storage of the nuclear fuel from “Westinghouse”, a permit is expected to be issued for its operation on Monday. “We plan to gradually load the first 43 cartridges of fresh nuclear fuel produced by “Westinghouse” in the 5th block of the “Kozloduy” NPP, Minister Malinov said. Prime Minister Glavchev recalled that diversification is a long process, as he personally participated in talks with “Westinghouse“ back in 2009 - 2010