Declaration to triple nuclear energy was officially announced at an event within the COP-28 in Dubai
Bulgaria joined the Declaration with a decision of the Council of Ministers of 29.11.2023
The Declaration to triple nuclear energy, to which Bulgaria joined with a Decision of the Council of Ministers dated 29.11.2023, was officially announced during a meeting within the framework of the 28th UN Conference on Climate Change Conference (COP28) in Dubai, the United Arab Emirates.
The Declaration emphasizes the important role of nuclear power in achieving carbon neutrality and addresses the results of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change analysis, which show that global nuclear capacity should triple between 2020 and 2050 with the aim to keep a 1.5°C limit on temperature rise within reach. The countries that have joined the Declaration, including the USA, Canada, France, the UAE and a number of others from the EU and beyond, are committed to working together to achieve the global goal of tripling the capacity of nuclear energy in the period by 2050, taking into account the national specificities of each participant.
The Parties commit to operate nuclear power plants responsibly and in accordance with the highest standards of safety, sustainability, security and responsible long-term spent fuel management. Another commitment includes the mobilization of investments in nuclear energy, including invitations to international financial institutions and regional development banks to promote nuclear energy in the credit policy of their organizations.
The Minister of Energy Rumen Radev made an address during the panel with the participation of ministers, emphasizing the role of nuclear energy in the decarbonization of energy systems: "It is my pleasure and honor to have the opportunity to participate in today's event, which will pave the way to increasing nuclear power in the global energy mix. The Declaration to triple nuclear energy is in accordance with the energy policy of the Republic of Bulgaria and the consistent actions of the Bulgarian government. We believe that nuclear energy will play an important role as the backbone of the future decarbonized energy system and can provide a stable and secure electricity supply at predictable and competitive prices in the long term."
Minister Radev added that Bulgaria has successfully operated its Kozloduy NPP for more than 45 years in strict compliance with the highest safety standards, providing affordable electricity for people and businesses, as well as balancing the energy system throughout the region. He added that Bulgaria plans to build new units in Kozloduy, doubling its nuclear capacity by 2035. At the same time, our country is actively diversifying its supplies of fresh nuclear fuel, signing contracts with Westinghouse Electric Sweden and Framatome.
The Bulgarian Energy Minister explained that we are follow closely the development of innovative nuclear technologies, including small modular reactors, but not only "Perhaps, by 2050 we will also be operating nuclear fusion reactors..."
Minister Radev underlined as well the need to create a more open and transparent nuclear market in order to promote the development of nuclear energy worldwide. He called on governments and organizations to engage in open public conversations to build trust and dispel misconceptions.
In conclusion, the Bulgarian Energy Minster expressed confidence that the Declaration, supported by so many countries today, is an important step towards a new stage in the development of nuclear energy and highlighted its essential role in achieving carbon neutrality.
The 28th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP28) is taking place in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, from November 30 to December 12, with a number of world leaders in attendance. For the first time this year, Bulgaria participated with its own stand at COP28, demonstrating successful examples from the solar industry, industrial innovation, green industrial zones and a number of other sectors.
The Ministry of Energy organizes a number of events at the Bulgarian pavilion at COP28 in Dubai, UAE, which you can follow here.
Declaration to triple nuclear energy