Westinghouse strengthens Bulgarian supply chain for Kozloduy

Westinghouse has signed seven new agreements with Bulgarian suppliers to support the construction of two AP1000 reactors at the Kozloduy nuclear power plant, further expanding its local industrial footprint.

Partagez:

Westinghouse Electric Company has announced the signing of seven memorandums of understanding with Bulgarian companies as part of its project to construct two AP1000 nuclear reactors at the Kozloduy site. These agreements aim to integrate more local suppliers into the project’s supply chain.

Expanded local industrial partnerships

The new partner companies – Balkansko Echo EOOD, Bon Marine Ltd, Contragent 35 Ltd, El Kontrol EOOD, ELPROM Heavy Industries JSC, Kozloduy Ltd and Zekalabs Ltd – will provide various services and equipment, ranging from cranes and instrumentation to transport, logistics and electrical components. They join a list of 30 Bulgarian suppliers already involved in the project under Westinghouse’s “buy where we build” policy, which prioritises sourcing locally at project sites.

The American company stated that these agreements are a direct outcome of the supplier symposium held on 1 May in Sofia. The event gathered more than 150 participants from 60 Bulgarian companies and professional organisations.

European goals and construction timeline

The Kozloduy project forms a major component of the intergovernmental agreement signed in 2024 between the United States and Bulgaria for the development of the country’s civil nuclear programme. In November, an engineering contract was signed between Hyundai Engineering & Construction, Westinghouse and the subsidiary Kozloduy NPP-New Builds.

The plan targets commissioning of unit 7 in 2035, followed by unit 8 in 2037. These will be the first AP1000 reactors built in Europe. According to statements made during the symposium, the project aims to strengthen Bulgaria’s position in regional energy supply.

A historic site at the heart of Bulgaria’s electricity network

The Kozloduy nuclear plant already houses two VVER-1000 reactors, commissioned in 1987 and 1991. These units, modernised through life-extension programmes, currently generate around one-third of Bulgaria’s electricity. Four older units, of the VVER-230 type, were closed ahead of Bulgaria’s accession to the European Union in 2007.

Dan Lipman, President of Westinghouse Energy Systems, stated that “the expertise of Bulgarian suppliers is critical to ensuring the project is delivered on time and on budget”.

After several decades without funding nuclear projects, the World Bank has formed a strategic partnership with the IAEA to provide technical and financial support to countries integrating nuclear energy into their energy strategies.
South Korea's Nuclear Safety and Security Commission officially validates the decommissioning of reactor number one at the Kori plant, initiating an unprecedented project for the national industry scheduled to last until 2037.
Uranium producer enCore Energy surpasses three thousand pounds per day at its Alta Mesa ISR complex and sees three new Texas laws as a strong signal for faster nuclear production permits.
The International Atomic Energy Agency expresses concerns over Iran’s enriched uranium stockpiles following the abrupt suspension of inspections at key sites disrupted by recent attacks whose consequences remain uncertain.
NPCIL has announced an extension until September 30 for industrial proposals concerning Bharat Small Reactors (BSR), following increased interest from the Indian private sector.
Facing rising temperatures, EDF anticipates cuts in nuclear production starting early July, primarily due to thermal constraints on rivers used for cooling the power plants.
The preliminary agreement launches planning and site assessment for a tailored AP1000 reactor, following two years of feasibility study, and enlists Westinghouse and Hyundai to support Fortum’s regional nuclear expansion.
Donald Trump's unprecedented decision to dismiss Christopher Hanson, a member of the NRC, provokes outrage among former federal officials and raises concerns over the regulatory independence of the U.S. nuclear sector.
Uranium Energy Corp strengthens its position in Anfield Energy Inc., now holding approximately 32.4% of the company’s shares following an investment of CAD19.55mn ($14.82mn), significantly expanding its strategic influence in the uranium market.
New York State plans an advanced nuclear power plant with a 1-gigawatt capacity to meet long-term energy and economic goals, involving significant investment to enhance regional energy independence.
Niger announces its intention to nationalize SOMAÏR, a mining company jointly owned with Orano, provoking strong opposition from the French company and paving the way for further international legal tensions.
Russia strengthens its economic presence in Mali with new agreements, notably in nuclear energy and gold refining, consolidating strategic cooperation within a rapidly evolving geopolitical context.
The US government grants a fourth payment of $100.45 mn to Holtec International to restart the Palisades Nuclear Plant, pending regulatory approval, marking an unprecedented event in the United States.
EDF announces a major agreement with Apollo to raise up to £4.5 billion via bonds to finance the British nuclear project Hinkley Point C, whose costs continue to rise significantly.
The Élysée proposes Anne-Isabelle Étienvre, current Director of Fundamental Research at the CEA, as General Administrator to replace François Jacq, recently appointed President of CNES.
Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis has announced his country's interest in small modular nuclear reactors to meet national energy challenges and decarbonize the maritime sector within the next fifteen years.
TerraPower, an American nuclear company, secures $650 million funding from investors, including NVIDIA, to develop its Natrium modular reactors in the United States and internationally.
EDF and the French state finalize a €70 billion financing plan for six EPR2 nuclear reactors, including a specific territorial coordination framework in Gravelines led by Michel Marbaix, awaiting European approval by 2026.
Maire S.p.A and Newcleo form strategic partnership to industrialise the development of 200 MW modular nuclear power plants, via a joint venture majority-owned by Nextchem.
A new European consortium launches the design of a small lead-cooled modular reactor, targeting global commercialisation by 2039, with a demonstration scheduled as early as 2035.