An image showing how the two new AP1000s could look at Kozloduy
On Tuesday, February 18, 2025, Kozloduy NPP–New Build EAD, a state-owned company under Kozloduy NPP EAD, submitted an application to Bulgaria’s Nuclear Regulatory Agency for a permit to determine the location of a planned new nuclear facility, unit 8, at the Kozloduy nuclear power plant. The parent company currently manages the existing plant, which provides approximately one-third of Bulgaria’s electricity through its two operational units, 5 and 6. The application includes all necessary documents, which will undergo a thorough review to ensure compliance with Bulgaria’s Act on the Safe Use of Nuclear Energy and related regulations. The project company noted that this submission marks the initial phase in the licensing process for the new facility, with several steps remaining to secure full approval.
The Nuclear Regulatory Agency acknowledged receiving the application and stated it would develop a detailed plan to evaluate both the application and its accompanying documents. This process aims to confirm that all technical and safety standards are met. The Kozloduy site, located in northern Bulgaria near the Danube River, has a history of nuclear energy production, with units 1 through 4—VVER-440 models—shut down in 2007 as part of Bulgaria’s agreement to join the European Union. Units 5 and 6, equipped with VVER-1000 reactors, were connected to the grid in 1987 and 1991, respectively, and have since been modernized to extend their operational lifespan from 30 to 60 years.
The same day the application was filed, Bulgaria’s Energy Minister Zhecho Stankov met with European Union Energy Commissioner Dan Jorgensen to discuss national energy priorities. These include diversifying energy sources, advancing nuclear power, promoting green technologies, and improving energy efficiency. Stankov also attended a meeting of the EU Nuclear Alliance, where he expressed Bulgaria’s support for recognizing nuclear energy as a low-carbon option, aligning it with other decarbonization technologies under European Commission policies.
The proposed unit 8, alongside unit 7, will utilize Westinghouse’s AP1000 technology. In November 2024, Kozloduy NPP–New Build EAD signed an engineering contract with Westinghouse and Hyundai Engineering & Construction to develop these units. Government officials indicated that the contract paves the way for finalizing the project’s schedule and financing within the next 12 months. Unit 7 is targeted to begin operations in 2035, followed by unit 8 in 2037. Together, the two units will provide a combined capacity of 2300 MWe, surpassing the 1760 MWe of the decommissioned units 1 through 4. Looking ahead, the Bulgarian government has highlighted the need for additional units to replace units 5 and 6 by 2050, ensuring long-term energy stability. The development reflects Bulgaria’s ongoing commitment to maintaining nuclear power as a key component of its energy strategy.
