Minister Malinov: Building new nuclear capacities will provide secure and clean energy for Bulgaria
“The construction of units 7 and 8 of Kozloduy Nuclear Power Plant will provide secure and clean energy for industrial and household consumers in Bulgaria. Nuclear energy in our country is part of the economic and national security of the state." That is what Energy Minister Vladimir Malinov said within the presentation of Hyundai Engineering and Construction. “The decisions adopted by the 49th National Assembly to select AP-1000 technology of the U.S. company Westinghouse and the world leader in building nuclear units Hyundai Engineering and Construction nuclear units have made the process irreversible. We rely on their cooperation in the successful implementation of the project,“ he added.
In the words of Energy Minister Malinov, the construction of new nuclear capacity at the Kozloduy Nuclear Power Plant site should be implemented as soon as possible, in a competitive environment and under the best economic conditions. “Three parallel processes must be carried out in the second half of next year – ensuring funding, preparing the baseline project for units 7 and 8 of Kozloduy NPP and taking the final investment decision,” he outlined. Minister Malinov recalled the outcome of his meetings in Washington, where firm commitments were made by the U.S. Exim Bank- to finance Westinghouse's participation in the project and to secure part of Bulgarian business participation therein. Talks are also pending with the Korean Bank for Export Financing. Discussions are also forthcoming with the Export-Import Bank of Korea.
“The Bulgarian side has required a minimum of 30% participation of local companies in the design, supply and construction of units 7 and 8 of Kozloduy NPP. At the peak of building new nuclear capacity, we expect the number of people directly involved on the site to reach 10 000,” Minister Malinov stressed. “We need to start working as of now to create the necessary supply infrastructure and guarantee safe working conditions,” he added. The Energy Minister also recalled the inter-ministerial working group established to the Council of Ministers, within which all parties involved assist in speeding up administrative processes.
