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AREVA in Bulgaria: the facts

  • A construction project for 2 reactors in Belene
  • Completed modernization of the lone nuclear power plant, Kozloduy, comprised of 5 plant units in operation
Bulgarian energy challenges

Bulgaria is focusing on nuclear power to compensate for its dependence on Russian gas.

The lone current power plant, located in Kozloduy, already provides nearly 40% of the country's electricity.

Kozloduy is equipped with VVER reactors (pressurized water reactors of Soviet origin). Only plant units 3, 4, 5, and 6 are in operation, while units 1 and 2 were closed in 2002. The units in service, which were placed in operation in 1974 and 1993, are operated by the public company Kozloduy Plc.

  • Since the closure of units 1 and 2, the power plant does not produce enough electricity.
  • A broad modernization program of units 5 and 6 has been successfully launched. This is a product of the successful collaboration between AREVA and Russian company Atomstroyexport (ASE). All the renovations critical to safety have been completed and the modernization program has allowed for the extension of lifespan for the Kozloduy units from 15 to 20 years.
  • A construction project for 2 new reactors in Belene is planned for 2014-2015.

AREVA's nuclear power activities in Bulgaria

Reactors and services

  • AREVA and the Bulgarian Energy Holding Company (BEH) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to develop clean energy projects in Bulgaria based on the group’s low-carbon technologies. As a long time partner of the country, AREVA intends to extend its contribution to Bulgaria’s civil nuclear program and assist in developing local renewable energy sources such as biomass and wind.
  • As part of the project for the construction of the Belene nuclear power plant: the consortium CARSIB, made up of AREVA and Siemens, has signed an agreement with ASE, in charge of providing 2 pressurized water reactors (PWR) for the Bulgarian electrical utility company NEK. These reactors are expected to be in operation by 2014 and 2015, respectively.
  • AREVA and ASE have already successfully cooperated in the modernization of units 3 and 6 of the Kozloduy power plant.
  • In the field of nuclear services, CARSIB will handle all the aspects connected with project management and interfaces within this scope. The consortium will provide:
    • safety-rated HVAC systems,
    • safety instrumentation and control and operational instrumentation and control,
    • electrical systems and materials,
    • other safety equipment, such as hydrogen recombiners.