Westinghouse analyzes the possibility of Kozloduy NPP’s Unit 6 using American fuel

Westinghouse is starting an analysis to see whether the Kozloduy NPP’s Unit 6 can operate with its nuclear fuel. To this end, a contract was signed on Friday between the American company and the Bulgarian nuclear power plant, represented by President and CEO, Patrick Fragman, and Executive Director, Ivan Andreev, respectively.

The contract involves developing a safety analysis for using the alternative type of nuclear fuel in Unit 6. The implementation period is 48 months.

The Bulgarian nuclear power plant already has a contract for the introduction of French nuclear fuel into the unit.

The new analysis will explore the possibility of operating with American fuel, although a different type than the one now used by Unit 5 as of this year. It should be implemented with test cartridges, as tested in Ukraine. Currently, Unit 6 is still operating with Russian fuel.

Fragman explained that Westinghouse's solution is "unique, as it is the only packaged one" and work is underway to design and produce fuel compatible with the Kozloduy NPP units.

The world's environment is constantly changing, we understand the importance of energy security," he said.

The Westinghouse director explained that the fuel in Unit 5 is working fine and that this type has been used for a decade in Ukrainian power plants.

It's good to have an alternative. This provides certainty that our nuclear power plant will continue to function for many years to come," said Ivan Andreev.

Regarding the 7th unit of the NPP, which will be an AP1000 type, Fragman said that the goal is to make it the first to be connected to the European energy system in 2034.

Energy Minister Vladimir Malinov, for his part, said he hopes it will be ready even earlier, in 2032 or 2033.

We will steadfastly and irrevocably continue on the path of diversifying the energy sector," he added.

No clarity on the Russian gas transit issue

Regarding the speculations about US sanction exemption for Russian gas transit payments through the expansion of the TurkStream pipeline through Bulgaria, Malinov explained that the Ministry of Energy has no official information from the US administration and so far, this exemption has only been mentioned by Hungary.

For December, the transmission payments have been received in full," he said.

Bulgartransgaz continues to work on different options for securing payments in the future, he added, specifying that when there is a decision, it will be announced.

Translated by Tzvetozar Vincent Iolov