The seven suppliers—Balkansko Echo EOOD, Bon Marine Ltd, Contragent 35 Ltd, El Kontrol EOOD, ELPROM Heavy Industries JSC, Kozloduy Ltd, and Zekalabs Ltd—join 30 other Bulgarian firms already partnered with Westinghouse under its “buy where we build” localization strategy. This approach enables local companies to contribute to the Kozloduy project and potentially support other AP1000 initiatives across Europe and globally.
Dan Lipman, President of Westinghouse Energy Systems, stated: “We continue to make excellent progress on our Engineering Services Contract to deliver two advanced AP1000 reactors at the Kozloduy site, thanks in large part to the deeply experienced Bulgarian nuclear supply chain. With this supply chain expansion, we look to tap into the expertise of local construction, electrical, and logistics suppliers, which will be critical in delivering the project on time and on budget.”
The Kozloduy site currently operates two VVER-1000 reactors, connected to the grid in 1987 and 1991, which supply about one-third of Bulgaria’s electricity. These units have undergone refurbishment to extend their operational life from 30 to 60 years. The new AP1000 units, with Unit 7 targeted for operation in 2035 and Unit 8 in 2037, aim to enhance Bulgaria’s energy security and sustainable energy production.
Bulgaria’s Minister of Energy, Zhecho Stankov, spoke at the symposium, attended by over 150 representatives from 60 companies and industry organizations. He stated: “The project is key to the country’s energy security and independence. Kozloduy unit 7 will be the first AP1000 to be built in Europe, and will be key to preserving and expanding Bulgaria’s role as a strategic hub for the production of sustainable, emission-free energy at competitive prices in Southeast Europe.”
The project follows an intergovernmental agreement between the USA and Bulgaria in early 2024, with an engineering contract signed in November 2024 involving Hyundai Engineering & Construction, Westinghouse, and Kozloduy NPP-New Builds. The initiative supports domestic energy consumption by bolstering Bulgaria’s clean energy capacity and fostering economic growth through local supplier involvement.
