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Ivan Khinovski: The contract for the capacities of the Kozloduy NPP is key

Russia prevented Bulgaria from using the equipment for the Belene NPP

Nov 4, 2024 22:38 66

Ivan Khinovski: The contract for the capacities of the Kozloduy NPP is key  - 1

The contract for the capacities of the “Kozloduy” is key because they are planned to become basic after 2035. Then the Bulgarian energy system will experience serious difficulties, regardless of the fact that we have renewable energy sources. This was stated in the program “ More from the day” on BNT energy expert Ivan Hinovski.

„Today's development of decarbonization and the decommissioning of coal will require replacement capacities. The contract that was signed was for the engineering infrastructure”, the expert specified.

„The first phase of an important project for the additional capacities of the Kozloduy NPP starts today. The future lies in the balanced development of renewable energy sources, he also emphasized.

How many billions will the new facilities in Kozloduy cost us? If the project costs more than 20 billion, it will hardly be realized, predicts BNT energy expert Ivan Hinovski.

Hinovski explained that the project is key, as the new capacities are planned to be leading capacities after the exit of coal in 2035. But even then, difficulties are expected during the winter periods. We will have a deficit of about 1,500 megawatts. This can be filled with predictable powers.

„Today's contract is for conducting studies and research to obtain a local license under the ZUT.

This will determine the components of the project budget.

If the price is too high – over 18-20 billion, this project will not happen.

Today's contract will determine how much the infrastructure will cost, the underground communications,

electrical networks, substations, water supply from the Danube…. all this will become clear after 1 year. Then comes the nuclear design.

„With one of these politicians defending the equipment for “Belene”, in a long conversation I explained to him that the geopolitical situation in the world will not allow it. Everything else is political talk, Hinovski admitted.

Russian aggression in Ukraine prevents Bulgaria from using the equipment for the “Belene” nuclear power plant.

In order to use the equipment from the Belene NPP, we must have a contract with Rosatom, with the chief designer, the manufacturing plant, with the chief designer in St. Petersburg… who will respond in this geopolitical situation to such an idea.

One day we talked with one of these politicians, defenders of Belene's equipment, and I explained to him why, due to the geopolitical situation, it cannot be done. And do you know what he answered me: “ Mr. Hinovski, I understand that we cannot do it, but I am obliged to say it in the campaign“.