Overview

• Bulgaria has announced the commencement of the construction of two US-designed nuclear reactors at its only nuclear power plant in Kozloduy, as part of the country's efforts to reduce dependence on fossil fuels.
• The new reactors, designed by US-based nuclear equipment manufacturer, Westinghouse Electric Co., are set to provide a total of 2,300 megawatts of energy, significantly exceeding the combined capacity of the four previously closed units.
• The Bulgarian government has made an initial allocation of 250 million euros ($270 million) for the project, with the aim of operationalizing the first reactor by 2033, and the second one - two to three years later.
• The new reactors will replace two Russian-designed VVER-1000 reactors that currently generates about a third of Bulgaria's electricity, as their operation licenses are set to expire in 2027 and 2029.
• This initiative is part of Bulgaria's larger plan to diversify its energy sources and minimize its energy dependence on Russia, in response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine.