Siemens could provide the turbines for the 7th unit of the Kozloduy NPP

Preliminary talks are underway with the German company Siemens to supply the turbines for the future seventh unit of the Kozloduy NPP. Teodor Osikovski, the Chairman of the Board of Directors of KMC EAD, revealed this news at a press conference on the occasion of the company's 35th anniversary.

KMC has a long history in the Bulgarian energy industry, participating in the annual planned repairs of the Bulgarian nuclear power plant, and taking care of the emergency and warning protection of the nuclear units. The company was among the selected Bulgarian companies for cooperation with the American Westinghouse for the 7th unit of the Kozloduy NPP. It will be involved in installation activities and maintenance.

Options for German turbines are being discussed. We have already been invited to the Siemens factory so that we can get to know each other. Preliminary talks and discussions are being held, no contracts have been concluded, just like there are no concluded contracts for the construction of the plant either. There was a big Siemens presentation. Previously, the turbines used were French, now they have turned to Siemens turbines, and negotiations are underway for the supply and operation of German machines at the construction site of the seventh unit," Osikovski pointed out.

He pointed out that for the time being only a memorandum of understanding has been signed for the supply of components for the AP1000 technology, after which many other steps will have to be completed by Westinghouse.

Osikovski and his colleagues added that Siemens has a strong interest in participating in large international projects for new energy capacities. They have over 60 years of experience and know-how in equipment such as turbines and generators, both for gas and nuclear plants.

Polish representatives were also present at a regional meeting in Bulgaria with the presence of Siemens, as Westinghouse also has plans to build nuclear facilities in Poland.

What will be the role of KMC?

KMC has a presence at the Kozloduy NPP construction site, with staff of about 180 people. This prompted the company to purchase its own land plot of about 20 decares, on which an administrative building is being completed. It should be fully ready early next year, with construction of production workshops for stainless steel products also set to begin there.

The company is also the only one that carries out technical maintenance and repair of heavy mining equipment at Mini Maritsa Iztok. It hopes to get involved in the upcoming land reclamation projects in the Maritsa coal basin. In addition, KMC carries out repairs and maintenance at public enterprises, such as Toplofikatsia Sofia, the National Railway Infrastructure Company, in connection with the Boichinovtsi substation, the Electricity System Operator (ESO), Bulgartransgaz; as well as in the private sector where its clients are Lukoil Neftohim Burgas, Aurubis, Asarel Medet and others.

KMC is also looking to grow beyond the borders of Bulgaria. The focal point is Greece, where KMC Greece SA was founded two years ago in partnership with one of the larger LPG traders. The purpose of the expansion is diversification combined with higher prices there, a more favorable climate and quite a few projects financed under the Greek Recovery Plan. The company has also targeted Kosovo, where it plans to apply for a contract for the modernization of the coal mines there.

KMC also has a NATO certificate, which will let them build hangars for the Greek Air Force planes.

Translated by Tzvetozar Vincent Iolov