Bulgaria Begins Construction of Two US-Designed Nuclear Reactors, Expanding Power Generation Capacity

US-based Westinghouse Electric Co. to provide technology for new reactors set to significantly exceed capacity of previously closed units; first reactor expected to be operational in 2033 as part of Bulgaria's efforts to minimize energy dependence on Russia.

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.