popular articles

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.
Réacteur type AP1000

Please share:

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.

Register free of charge for uninterrupted access.

Publicite

Recently published in

MAIRE S.p.A. and newcleo Holding launch Italy's first nuclear project under the Meloni government, featuring a 200 MWe advanced modular reactor.
Driven by favorable public policies and growing energy demand, the global nuclear energy market is projected to reach USD 44.71 billion by 2029, with an annual growth rate of 2.9%. Major powers are intensifying investments in the sector.
Driven by favorable public policies and growing energy demand, the global nuclear energy market is projected to reach USD 44.71 billion by 2029, with an annual growth rate of 2.9%. Major powers are intensifying investments in the sector.
Two American grants will finance studies on radioactive waste management and modular nuclear reactors in Bulgaria, strengthening bilateral cooperation and supporting the country's energy objectives.
Two American grants will finance studies on radioactive waste management and modular nuclear reactors in Bulgaria, strengthening bilateral cooperation and supporting the country's energy objectives.
The Flamanville EPR will be connected to the grid this Friday. After two decades of delays and cost overruns, this next-generation reactor marks a major milestone for French nuclear energy.
The Flamanville EPR will be connected to the grid this Friday. After two decades of delays and cost overruns, this next-generation reactor marks a major milestone for French nuclear energy.
Westinghouse and Aecon announce partnerships to develop AP1000 reactors in Canada, with an economic impact estimated at 20 billion CAD and thousands of jobs at stake.
EPH, a Czech group owned by Daniel Kretinsky, acquires a majority stake in Slovenske Elektrarne for 150 million euros, consolidating its presence in the European nuclear energy market.
EPH, a Czech group owned by Daniel Kretinsky, acquires a majority stake in Slovenske Elektrarne for 150 million euros, consolidating its presence in the European nuclear energy market.
Three associations withdrew from the public debate on the recycling of low-level radioactive metals in Fessenheim, citing a biased and unbalanced process.
Three associations withdrew from the public debate on the recycling of low-level radioactive metals in Fessenheim, citing a biased and unbalanced process.
The European Commission opens an investigation into Poland's public support for its first nuclear project, estimated at €45 billion, to ensure compliance with electricity market competition rules.
The European Commission opens an investigation into Poland's public support for its first nuclear project, estimated at €45 billion, to ensure compliance with electricity market competition rules.
NANO Nuclear and Digihost submit a proposal to NYSERDA to evaluate the integration of advanced nuclear technologies at a 60-megawatt energy site in New York State.
Standard Uranium engages Fleet Space Technologies to conduct multiphysics surveys combining ambient noise tomography and gravimetry. This project targets uranium-bearing corridors in the southwest of the Athabasca Basin.
Standard Uranium engages Fleet Space Technologies to conduct multiphysics surveys combining ambient noise tomography and gravimetry. This project targets uranium-bearing corridors in the southwest of the Athabasca Basin.
An independent economic analysis concludes that including nuclear energy in Australia's electricity market could yield substantial savings, with a cost reduction estimated at 44% compared to a scenario relying solely on renewable energy.
An independent economic analysis concludes that including nuclear energy in Australia's electricity market could yield substantial savings, with a cost reduction estimated at 44% compared to a scenario relying solely on renewable energy.
Iran surpasses critical limits, increasing uranium enrichment to 60%, while agreeing to stricter monitoring by the IAEA. This development heightens international tensions and revives diplomatic concerns.
Iran surpasses critical limits, increasing uranium enrichment to 60%, while agreeing to stricter monitoring by the IAEA. This development heightens international tensions and revives diplomatic concerns.
With over $1 billion in purchase orders in 2024, Candu Energy, a subsidiary of AtkinsRéalis, strengthens its Canadian nuclear supply chain by involving 350 local companies, supporting thousands of jobs and advancing the clean energy transition.
Poland confirms plans for its first nuclear power plant, scheduled to be operational by 2036, while unveiling projects for a second facility by 2040.
Poland confirms plans for its first nuclear power plant, scheduled to be operational by 2036, while unveiling projects for a second facility by 2040.
Two companies, Amentum and Multiconsult, have been tasked with assessing the feasibility of a modular reactor in Halden, marking a key step in Norway's ambition to address its growing energy deficit.
Two companies, Amentum and Multiconsult, have been tasked with assessing the feasibility of a modular reactor in Halden, marking a key step in Norway's ambition to address its growing energy deficit.
France, Germany, and the United Kingdom denounce Iran's increased uranium enrichment, deemed incompatible with civilian use, and call for negotiations to regulate its nuclear program.
France, Germany, and the United Kingdom denounce Iran's increased uranium enrichment, deemed incompatible with civilian use, and call for negotiations to regulate its nuclear program.
In response to Texas's energy and water challenges, Natura Resources relies on small modular reactors to provide reliable, sustainable solutions adapted to the growing needs of a booming economy.
The Shimane 2 nuclear power plant in Japan resumed operations on December 7 after 13 years of inactivity. This second boiling water reactor marks a significant milestone in the country's energy revitalization.
The Shimane 2 nuclear power plant in Japan resumed operations on December 7 after 13 years of inactivity. This second boiling water reactor marks a significant milestone in the country's energy revitalization.
The US regulator has validated the control system of the eVinci microreactor, paving the way for its autonomous operation. This innovative technology promises safe and adaptable energy without the need for constant monitoring.
The US regulator has validated the control system of the eVinci microreactor, paving the way for its autonomous operation. This innovative technology promises safe and adaptable energy without the need for constant monitoring.
Following recommendations from the International Atomic Energy Agency, the Philippines is strengthening its commitment to nuclear energy, aiming to integrate this energy source into its energy mix by 2032.
Following recommendations from the International Atomic Energy Agency, the Philippines is strengthening its commitment to nuclear energy, aiming to integrate this energy source into its energy mix by 2032.
Kazakhstan is discussing its first nuclear power plant project with France. EDF, Framatome, and Arabelle Solutions represent France against competition from Russia, China, and South Korea.
EnergySolutions and Terrestrial Energy collaborate to implement advanced IMSR reactors, a modern nuclear generation technology, at specialized sites, addressing the growing demand for clean and industrial energy.
EnergySolutions and Terrestrial Energy collaborate to implement advanced IMSR reactors, a modern nuclear generation technology, at specialized sites, addressing the growing demand for clean and industrial energy.
Meta, the parent company of Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, seeks up to 4 GW of nuclear capacity in the United States to meet the growing energy demands of its data centers and AI technologies.
Meta, the parent company of Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, seeks up to 4 GW of nuclear capacity in the United States to meet the growing energy demands of its data centers and AI technologies.
EDF announces the extension of the lifespan of four nuclear power plants in the United Kingdom, strengthening local energy production while investing massively in its aging nuclear infrastructure.
EDF announces the extension of the lifespan of four nuclear power plants in the United Kingdom, strengthening local energy production while investing massively in its aging nuclear infrastructure.

Advertising