Deputy Еnergy Minister Nikolov has talked with leading global nuclear producers in Paris
He participated in the World Nuclear Exhibition in Paris
Deputy Energy Minister Nikolay Nikolov participated in the World Nuclear Exhibition, which takes place every two years in Paris and brings together the leading forces in the field of nuclear energy. The diversification of nuclear fuel for Kozloduy Nuclear Power Plant, the future projects for the development of new nuclear capacity in Bulgaria, the training and practice opportunities for Bulgarian nuclear energy students in a real environment with leading global producers were among the main topics of Mr Nikolov's talks in the French capital.
Fresh nuclear fuel supply for Unit 5 of Kozloduy Nuclear Power Plant was discussed with Westinghouse President and CEO Mr. Patrick Fragman. Deputy Minister Nikolov updated Mr. Fragman on the issue concerning Bulgaria’s intention to build a new nuclear capacity at the Kozloduy NPP site.
Bulgaria’s energy policy was at the centre of Mr. Nikolov’s meeting with Luc Rémont, Chairman and CEO of EDF. The French Group, world leader in low-carbon electricity, has reaffirmed its readiness to collaborate with Bulgaria in the nuclear field. The conversation focused on the sharing of experience between the nuclear operators of both countries and on the skills that EDF can bring to the whole nuclear value chain.
Framatome is interested in taking part in future tenders for the supply of equipment outside the nuclear islands of the envisaged units 7 and 8 at the site of Kozloduy NPP. That became clear from the meeting between Mr. Nikolov with the Framatome CEO Mr. Bernard Fontana. The French company stands ready to conclude contracts for cooperation with Bulgarian universities offering nuclear studies and train Bulgarian experts at Framatome Nuclear Technology Academy.
During his visit in Paris, Deputy Minister Nikolov also attended the annual meeting of the Member States of the Nuclear Alliance, where the discussions centered on the Declaration to triple nuclear energy. The Declaration signatories commit to take action at national level to ensure that their NPPs are operated responsibly and in accordance with the highest standards of safety, sustainability and security. Bulgaria has joined the Declaration by a Decision of the Council of Ministers of last week. The Declaration will be presented in the framework of the COP-28 in Dubai.