Temenuzhka Petkova: We will develop the potential of nuclear energy as a key sector in the Bulgarian economy
"The development of the potential of nuclear energy as a key sector in the Bulgarian economy is a priority for the Government", the Minister of Energy Temenuzhka Petkova said at the opening of the international conference "Nuclear energy in liberalized energy markets: technologies, financing and planning". According to Minister Petkova nuclear energy sustains its major role in the energy mix in the country and NPP Kozloduy currently generates about 33% of the energy in Bulgaria.
Petkova stated that the extension of the working period of Units 5 and 6 of the NPP Kozloduy is a major concern of the government in respect to nuclear energy. "Following a complex investigation of the equipment of both units of NPP Kozloduy, we have initiated the program for the extension of the period of the units’ exploitation", she said. The minister added that the stages of the programme will be implemented until 2016 for Unit 5 and 2018 for Unit 6, respectively. "At present, the programme is being executed in compliance with the schedule and it is planned to be completed within the provisioned timeframe. We are aware of the significance of the project to keep the energy potential of the country and as a consequence the national security as well", Petkova underlined.
Regarding the construction of a new nuclear unit at NPP Kozloduy, the Energy Minister said that the realization of such a project will be possible when an effective and economically viable model appears.