We are working intensively on a new disposal strategy of nuclear fuel, announced today at the Kozloduy NPP. acting Minister of Energy Vladimir Malinov, quoted by BTA.
"This was also one of the topics that I discussed in Washington with our partners in the framework of the intergovernmental agreement, not only in terms of technical support and sharing their experience, but also looking for the best possible solution from the point of view a point of security and peace of mind for the Bulgarian society, and the best way to dispose of the fuel", the minister pointed out.
He explained that this is a process that is pending. "I don't want there to be any worries, since this fuel, which is now being put into the Kozloduy NPP it will be used for a long time until the moment of the need for its safe storage is reached, so in that period I hope we will be ready with the strategy as well," said Malinov.
He added that as part of his visit to the US, he also received a firm commitment of support from Exim Bank (the foreign trade bank of the US government) to provide not only much of the financing for the US equipment that will be invested in the seventh and eighth blocks of the plant, and for 40 percent of the Bulgarian participation in the implementation of the project.
The official energy minister expressed hope that the contract with "Westinghouse" will be signed by September. for the preparation of the preliminary project, with the aim of securing the financing within the last quarter of 2025.
"To determine both the final value and the time period for the realization of the project. Let's be in a position to make a final investment decision and to issue the first construction permit", the Minister of Energy also stated.