Connection

popular articles

Google and Energix join forces for 1.5 GW of solar power in the USA
Green light for preparatory work on EPR2 reactors at Penly
Turkey and Iran profit from Kurdish oil via parallel trade
Qair and Vibracoustic sign 12-year PPA in Poland
Fukushima: Tepco restarts extraction of radioactive debris

Bulgaria diversifies its nuclear suppliers with Westinghouse

Bulgaria concludes a partnership with Westinghouse for the development of new nuclear units at Kozloduy, aimed at diversifying nuclear fuel suppliers.
Bulgarie Westinghouse

Please share:

Prime Minister Dimitar Glavchev and Acting Energy Minister Vladimir Malinov visited the Kozloduy site, where Westinghouse plans to build two new blocks, units 7 and 8. During the visit, Malinov announced the progressive loading of the first 43 cartridges of new nuclear fuel from May, underlining a strategic shift towards diversified suppliers, including the French company Framatome for unit 6.

New dynamic in fuel supply

In November 2022, Bulgaria’s National Assembly voted to accelerate the replacement of Russia as nuclear fuel supplier for the Russian-designed VVER-1000 units at Kozloduy. A ten-year contract has been signed with Westinghouse for the manufacture and delivery of VVER-1000 nuclear fuel, to be produced at Västerås, Sweden. The Bulgarian Nuclear Regulatory Agency has already granted a license for Robust Westinghouse Fuel Assembly (RWFA) fuel storage, with an operating permit recently issued.

Energy transition and regional impact

The switchover to the new fuel type is scheduled to take four years. Westinghouse has been supplying fuel for VVER nuclear power plants in Ukraine for several years, diversifying its fuel supply even before the current war. The Kozloduy power plant, located in north-western Bulgaria on the Danube, supplies around 34% of the country’s electricity.

Renovation and life extension programs

The two VVER-1000 units currently in operation at Kozloduy have been refurbished and have undergone life extension programs, enabling their operation to be extended from 30 to 60 years. In February, the Bulgarian Parliament authorized discussions with Hyundai Engineering & Construction, the only manufacturer shortlisted for the engineering, construction, delivery and commissioning of the new Westinghouse AP1000 units planned for the Kozloduy site.

The aim is to make a final investment decision by mid-2025, with the first new unit, unit 7, operational in 2035, and unit 8 in 2037. This initiative marks a major step forward for Bulgaria’s energy independence and its position in the European energy market.

Register free of charge for uninterrupted access.

Publicite

Latest news

COP29: China’s Rejection Triggers a Deadlock on Climate Financing
Cordemais Coal Plant: Worker Strike Highlights Uncertain Future
Strategic Alliance Between Russia and Iraq: Stabilizing Oil Prices Through OPEC+
Gazprom-OMV Dispute: A Test of Resilience for European Energy Diplomacy
The Export Ambitions of Vaca Muerta: Challenges and Realities in Argentina’s Energy Diplomacy

Recently published in

Analysis of Fukushima radioactive debris: A year-long process to advance dismantling

The evaluation of debris extracted from Fukushima, crucial for dismantling planning, could last up to a year, according to Tepco, the operator of the Japanese nuclear plant.
Trump: a pro-nuclear future under budgetary uncertainties
The Trump administration plans to support nuclear energy and domestic uranium production. However, questions remain about future budgets and priorities amid competing spending demands.
en_1140536540
Trump: a pro-nuclear future under budgetary uncertainties
The Trump administration plans to support nuclear energy and domestic uranium production. However, questions remain about future budgets and priorities amid competing spending demands.
en_1140536540
South Africa: C5 Capital and Sibanye-Stillwater Partner to Advance Nuclear Energy Innovation
C5 Capital and Sibanye-Stillwater join forces to develop advanced nuclear energy projects in South Africa, the United States, and beyond, supporting the global energy transition with innovative solutions.
en_1140547540
South Africa: C5 Capital and Sibanye-Stillwater Partner to Advance Nuclear Energy Innovation
C5 Capital and Sibanye-Stillwater join forces to develop advanced nuclear energy projects in South Africa, the United States, and beyond, supporting the global energy transition with innovative solutions.
en_1140547540
Last Nuclear Waste Shipment: A Franco-German Commitment Fulfilled
The final shipment of vitrified nuclear waste between France and Germany has reached Philippsburg. This transfer concludes recycling contracts signed since 1977 with four German operators.
en_1140518540
Last Nuclear Waste Shipment: A Franco-German Commitment Fulfilled
The final shipment of vitrified nuclear waste between France and Germany has reached Philippsburg. This transfer concludes recycling contracts signed since 1977 with four German operators.
en_1140518540

Hungary Revises the Cost of Its Paks II Nuclear Project Upward

Hungary proposes a budget increase for its Paks II nuclear project, a strategic initiative funded by Russia but facing technical, economic, and geopolitical challenges.
Italy: Enel, Leonardo, and Ansaldo Relaunch Nuclear Energy
Enel, Leonardo, and Ansaldo Nucleare join forces to study small modular reactors, marking a potential turning point for nuclear energy in Italy after decades of withdrawal.
en_1140496540
Italy: Enel, Leonardo, and Ansaldo Relaunch Nuclear Energy
Enel, Leonardo, and Ansaldo Nucleare join forces to study small modular reactors, marking a potential turning point for nuclear energy in Italy after decades of withdrawal.
en_1140496540
Orano temporarily suspends uranium extraction activities in Niger
Orano temporarily suspends uranium extraction activities in Niger
en_1140463540
Orano temporarily suspends uranium extraction activities in Niger
Orano temporarily suspends uranium extraction activities in Niger
en_1140463540
IAEA Chief in Iran: A Crucial Visit to Sensitive Nuclear Sites
Rafael Grossi, head of the IAEA, visits Iran to inspect the Fordo and Natanz sites. This visit comes as Tehran seeks to dispel doubts about its nuclear ambitions.
en_1140462540
IAEA Chief in Iran: A Crucial Visit to Sensitive Nuclear Sites
Rafael Grossi, head of the IAEA, visits Iran to inspect the Fordo and Natanz sites. This visit comes as Tehran seeks to dispel doubts about its nuclear ambitions.
en_1140462540

Six new countries commit to tripling global nuclear production by 2050

At COP29, six countries joined an ambitious declaration to triple global nuclear capacity by 2050, bringing the number of signatories to 31, backed by major financial institutions.
EDF plans a decision on future EPRs in 2026
EDF projects a strategic decision for its first six EPR reactors in 2026, with sites for eight additional ones to be determined the same year, as part of France's energy strategy.
en_1140430540
EDF plans a decision on future EPRs in 2026
EDF projects a strategic decision for its first six EPR reactors in 2026, with sites for eight additional ones to be determined the same year, as part of France's energy strategy.
en_1140430540
Vietnam Revives Its Nuclear Program to Meet Growing Energy Demand
Vietnam plans to reactivate its nuclear program, halted in 2016, to support rapid industrialization and meet increasing energy demands while aiming for carbon neutrality by 2050.
en_1140437540
Vietnam Revives Its Nuclear Program to Meet Growing Energy Demand
Vietnam plans to reactivate its nuclear program, halted in 2016, to support rapid industrialization and meet increasing energy demands while aiming for carbon neutrality by 2050.
en_1140437540
SMR: The UK Enters Crucial Negotiations with Four Key Players
Great British Nuclear evaluates technologies from GE Hitachi, Holtec, Rolls-Royce SMR, and Westinghouse to select the modular reactors that will shape the country’s energy future.
en_1140411540
SMR: The UK Enters Crucial Negotiations with Four Key Players
Great British Nuclear evaluates technologies from GE Hitachi, Holtec, Rolls-Royce SMR, and Westinghouse to select the modular reactors that will shape the country’s energy future.
en_1140411540

Nuclear Energy: A Climate Lever to Finance, Advocates the IAEA at COP29

At COP29, Rafael Grossi, Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), emphasizes the inclusion of nuclear energy in climate financing, while targeting a regulated access approach for developing countries.
Rafael Grossi in Iran: Crucial Discussions on the Nuclear Program
IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi visits Iran to revive inspections and seek a diplomatic resolution on Iran's nuclear program amid growing international tensions.
en_1140407540
Rafael Grossi in Iran: Crucial Discussions on the Nuclear Program
IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi visits Iran to revive inspections and seek a diplomatic resolution on Iran's nuclear program amid growing international tensions.
en_1140407540
Niger invites Russian companies to exploit its natural resources
Niger opens its doors to Russian companies for the exploration of its natural wealth, marking a strategic shift as tensions persist with French companies, particularly over uranium.
en_1140408540
Niger invites Russian companies to exploit its natural resources
Niger opens its doors to Russian companies for the exploration of its natural wealth, marking a strategic shift as tensions persist with French companies, particularly over uranium.
en_1140408540
Framatome strengthens its presence in Italy to support nuclear energy in Europe
Framatome opens offices in Milan and Turin, marking a new step in Franco-Italian cooperation for the development of nuclear energy in Europe.
en_1140391540
Framatome strengthens its presence in Italy to support nuclear energy in Europe
Framatome opens offices in Milan and Turin, marking a new step in Franco-Italian cooperation for the development of nuclear energy in Europe.
en_1140391540

Poland: Towards Enhanced Nuclear Cooperation with Japan and the Netherlands

Poland strengthens its nuclear cooperation with Japan and the Netherlands, enhancing its capacity for its energy transition program.
Analysis of Fukushima radioactive debris: a key step in decommissioning
A sample of radioactive debris from the Fukushima power plant has been secretly transported to a laboratory near Tokyo. This crucial step is part of the lengthy decommissioning process, which is expected to take several more decades.
en_1140403540
Analysis of Fukushima radioactive debris: a key step in decommissioning
A sample of radioactive debris from the Fukushima power plant has been secretly transported to a laboratory near Tokyo. This crucial step is part of the lengthy decommissioning process, which is expected to take several more decades.
en_1140403540
EDF close to new nuclear electricity contracts with industrial companies
EDF hopes to finalize new long-term electricity contracts with energy-intensive industries by the end of the year, despite criticism over high electricity prices, which threaten their competitiveness.
en_1140376540
EDF close to new nuclear electricity contracts with industrial companies
EDF hopes to finalize new long-term electricity contracts with energy-intensive industries by the end of the year, despite criticism over high electricity prices, which threaten their competitiveness.
en_1140376540
EDF challenges Czech decision on nuclear contract awarded to KHNP
EDF challenges Czech decision on nuclear contract awarded to KHNP
en_1140372540
EDF challenges Czech decision on nuclear contract awarded to KHNP
EDF challenges Czech decision on nuclear contract awarded to KHNP
en_1140372540

U.S. Nuclear Capacity Offline Declines Despite Summer’s Weather Disruptions

Despite extreme weather conditions this summer, offline nuclear capacity in the United States decreased by 16% compared to 2023, thanks to a reduction in unplanned outages, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA).
Calogena files for approval of its nuclear heating boiler for urban areas
The startup Calogena has taken a crucial step forward in its low-power nuclear boiler project for urban heating, submitting an application for approval to the Nuclear Safety Authority (ASN).
en_1140302540
Calogena files for approval of its nuclear heating boiler for urban areas
The startup Calogena has taken a crucial step forward in its low-power nuclear boiler project for urban heating, submitting an application for approval to the Nuclear Safety Authority (ASN).
en_1140302540
First Extraction of Radioactive Debris at Fukushima: Tepco Advances in Decommissioning
For the first time since 2011, a sample of radioactive debris was extracted from the damaged reactors at the Fukushima nuclear plant. This breakthrough paves the way for new analyses essential to the decommissioning process.
en_1140274540
First Extraction of Radioactive Debris at Fukushima: Tepco Advances in Decommissioning
For the first time since 2011, a sample of radioactive debris was extracted from the damaged reactors at the Fukushima nuclear plant. This breakthrough paves the way for new analyses essential to the decommissioning process.
en_1140274540
Macron offers France’s support to Kazakhstan for civilian nuclear development
During Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev's visit to Paris, Emmanuel Macron strengthened the strategic partnership between France and Kazakhstan, offering French expertise to support the development of civilian nuclear energy in Kazakhstan.
en_1140262540
Macron offers France’s support to Kazakhstan for civilian nuclear development
During Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev's visit to Paris, Emmanuel Macron strengthened the strategic partnership between France and Kazakhstan, offering French expertise to support the development of civilian nuclear energy in Kazakhstan.
en_1140262540

Advertising

LEGAL

FOSSILS

POLICY

RENEWABLE

PLUS

VERVANT

Welcome

Your subscription

Included in this subscription:

COMMUNICATE ON ENERGYNEWS