Bulgaria approves construction of US nuclear reactors

Bulgaria approves the construction of two American nuclear reactors to reduce its energy dependence on Russia, marking a major turning point in its energy diversification strategy.

Share:

Réacteur type AP1000

Gain full professional access to energynews.pro from 4.90$/month.
Designed for decision-makers, with no long-term commitment.

Over 30,000 articles published since 2021.
150 new market analyses every week to decode global energy trends.

Monthly Digital PRO PASS

Immediate Access
4.90$/month*

No commitment – cancel anytime, activation in 2 minutes.

*Special launch offer: 1st month at the indicated price, then 14.90 $/month, no long-term commitment.

Annual Digital PRO Pass

Full Annual Access
99$/year*

To access all of energynews.pro without any limits

*Introductory annual price for year one, automatically renewed at 149.00 $/year from the second year.

Bulgaria approves construction of US AP1000 nuclear reactors. This decision marks a major turning point for the country, freeing it from its energy dependence on Russia, a problem that had become even more acute following the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

A crucial step towards energy independence

Bulgaria, long dependent on Russian energy supplies, has decided to diversify its energy sources. These two American reactors, with a combined capacity of 2,300 megawatts, will be built at the Kozlodoui nuclear site. Prime Minister Nikolay Denkov has announced that the first reactor will be operational by 2033. The second will follow two or three years later.

The challenge of replacing Russian energy

The Kozlodoui plant currently houses two Russian VVER units, supplying over a third of Bulgaria’s electricity. These units are licensed until 2027 and 2029, which means that the new reactors will play a crucial role in replacing this energy source.

A major investment

The Bulgarian government has allocated a substantial sum of 500 million leva (250 million euros) to initiate this project. This funding reflects the country’s commitment to diversifying its energy resources and reducing its dependence on coal, in line with European Union standards.

The end of an abandoned nuclear project

It should be noted that Bulgaria recently abandoned a nuclear power plant project on the Danube, near Kozlodoui, due to cost and profitability issues. This project would have involved the delivery of reactors by Russia, but was deemed unviable.

Energy diversification strategy

Bulgaria has stepped up its energy diversification strategy in recent months, introducing an exceptional tax on Russian gas transiting its territory. This measure is designed to reduce Gazprom’s profits and limit the funds flowing into the Kremlin’s coffers, a significant gesture in the current context of war in Ukraine.

Bulgaria, once largely dependent on Russia for its energy, is now looking to other sources of supply to ensure its energy independence and contribute to regional stability.

The French Energy Regulatory Commission outlines a structured plan to accelerate the deployment of small modular reactors, focusing on industrial heat and series effects to enhance competitiveness.
US-based Nuclearn has secured $10.5mn to scale its artificial intelligence platform, already deployed in over 65 nuclear reactors, to automate critical operations amid rising energy demand.
The steel dome of the CAP1000 Haiyang 4 reactor has been positioned, a major construction milestone paving the way for upcoming maintenance and technical installation phases.
The Groupement des Industriels Français de l'Énergie Nucléaire and the Belgian Nuclear Forum formalise a partnership aimed at strengthening industrial exchanges and joint projects between the two countries’ nuclear sectors.
The International Atomic Energy Agency warns that little time remains to reach an agreement with Iran on fully resuming inspections, as European sanctions could be reimposed within 30 days.
US-based Oklo will build the country’s first privately funded nuclear fuel recycling centre in Oak Ridge, investing $1.7bn and creating over 800 jobs.
The Tennessee Valley Authority partners with ENTRA1 Energy to develop up to 6 gigawatts of modular nuclear capacity, in an unprecedented project supporting energy growth across seven U.S. states.
A report by the International Atomic Energy Agency puts Iran’s 60% enriched uranium at 440.9 kg before Israeli and U.S. strikes, while the agency’s access to enrichment sites has remained suspended since the operations.
US-based Westinghouse has signed six industrial agreements in the UK to supply critical components for its AP1000 and AP300 nuclear projects in Britain and abroad.
NANO Nuclear Energy receives direct funding from the US Air Force innovation branch to assess the integration of its KRONOS MMRâ„¢ microreactor at the Washington D.C. military base.
EDF extends the operation of Heysham 1 and Hartlepool by one year after favourable safety inspections, ensuring continuity of nuclear production and safeguarding more than 1,000 jobs.
Russian nuclear group Rosatom has confirmed advanced discussions with India and Turkey to launch new power plants, including advanced and floating reactor technologies.
The International Atomic Energy Agency has identified uranium particles of industrial origin in samples taken from a Syrian site suspected of hosting an undeclared nuclear reactor.
Norwegian authorities begin the first regulatory phase for two modular nuclear reactor projects, marking a strategic step in the national review of the potential role of nuclear energy in the country’s power mix.
With eleven reactors under construction and major projects such as Jaitapur, India is preparing a nuclear build-up that could place it among the world’s five leading nations in the sector.
France and Germany have validated a joint energy roadmap, including a commitment to the non-discrimination of nuclear energy in European financing.
Russia and Iran seek to strengthen their nuclear cooperation as the E3 activates the sanctions mechanism against Tehran, reigniting tensions over compliance with the 2015 Vienna agreement.
US-based Natura Resources has secured strategic funding and key permits for its MSR-1 nuclear reactor, backed by public funds and enriched fuel allocation from the Department of Energy.
The United States and South Korea have agreed to initiate discussions on reprocessing spent nuclear fuel, marking a potential strategic shift in the long-standing bilateral agreement.
The United States Nuclear Regulatory Commission has granted a 40-year extension for the AP1000 reactor design certification, supporting its long-term construction domestically and deployment abroad.

Log in to read this article

You'll also have access to a selection of our best content.