Bulgaria will benefit from two strategic grants awarded by the United States Trade and Development Agency (USTDA) to modernize and secure its nuclear sector. These initiatives aim to support in-depth studies in two key areas: radioactive waste management and the deployment of small modular reactors (SMR).
Study on Radioactive Waste Management
The first project financed by the USTDA concerns a feasibility study for the safe storage of spent fuel from Bulgarian nuclear power plants. Conducted in partnership with the American company Deep Isolation, this analysis will focus on applying deep drilling technology, enabling burial more than a kilometer underground. Sergey Tzochev, representative of the Bulgarian public company SERAW, emphasized the importance of this collaboration in exploring innovative solutions for sustainable nuclear waste management.
Development of Modular Nuclear Reactors
The second project focuses on studying small modular reactors (SMR) of American origin. In collaboration with Bulgaria Energy Holding (BEH), a Bulgarian public company, the USTDA will fund a comprehensive technical analysis of these reactor designs, their feasibility, and potential integration in Bulgaria. This study also includes the exploration of potential sites and the development of a roadmap for their implementation.
Context and Political Challenges
These initiatives are part of an energy transition context marked by Bulgaria’s commitment to reducing its reliance on coal by the end of the 2030s. The country is also planning the installation of new AP1000 reactors on the existing Kozloduy nuclear site, with the goal of becoming a regional leader in electricity production.
These grants reflect strengthened bilateral cooperation between the United States and Bulgaria while supporting international priorities for decarbonization and energy security. They also illustrate the American commitment to promoting its nuclear technologies in a transforming European market.
