In Bulgaria, Westinghouse and Kozloduy announce the signing of a long-term nuclear fuel partnership.
A 10-year partnership
In Bulgaria, Westinghouse and Kozloduy announced a 10-year contract to manufacture VVER-1000 nuclear fuel. This partnership will further guarantee Bulgarian energy security, making it more independent from Russia. The fuel will be used to power the Kozloduy plant, which is the only nuclear power plant in Bulgaria.
It comprises two reactors, units 5 and 6, with a total installed capacity of 2GW. This represents about one third of the country’s electricity. One of the Kozloduy reactors was shut down due to a minor leak.
A Western option for Bulgaria
The partnership will be used to fuel Unit 5. This collaboration with the American company secures a reliable supply for Bulgaria. The Westinghouse offer is also the only all-Western option for VVER-1000 nuclear fuel fabrication.
The fuel fabrication site is located in Västerås, Sweden. Westinghouse has experience in nuclear fuel design. Indeed, the company supplies, among others, the VVER-1000 power plants in Ukraine.