„Kozloduy Nuclear Power Plant - New Capacities“, Westinghouse Electric Company and Hyundai Engineering & Construction Co., Ltd. presented the current status and progress on the project for units 7 and 8 of the Kozloduy Nuclear Power Plant.
„Kozloduy NPP – New Capacities“, Westinghouse Electric Company and Hyundai Engineering & Construction Co., Ltd. presented the current status of the project for the construction of the 7th and 8th units of Kozloduy Nuclear Power Plant to media, experts and stakeholders.
As part of the event, the companies highlighted key project development milestones, subsequent implementation steps, and some data on the economic impact of the new facilities.
Economic effect
„Bulgaria needs this project not only for its energy security but also for the future development of our country. These are not just new capacities, but new opportunities for the Bulgarian economy, industry, and workforce,“ said the CEO of „Kozloduy NPP - New Capacities“.
Presenting part of the data regarding the socio-economic impact of the implementation of the two AP1000® reactors, Mr. Ivanov noted that the project will be the largest economic driver in Bulgaria's modern history. It is forecast to generate total economic growth of €9.12 billion solely during the construction phase, which means that every euro invested in Units 7 and 8 will generate €2.7 for the Bulgarian national economy. During their 60-year operational life, the units will contribute an impressive €55.2 billion to Bulgaria's gross domestic product.
This economic upswing will be supported by the Westinghouse-Hyundai consortium's long-term commitment to the Bulgarian labour market and local industry. The consortium has already signed 36 Memoranda of Understanding for the active involvement of local suppliers such as MTG Dolphin, Oscar-El, Podemcrane, Atomenergoresmont AD and Glavbolgarstroy in the project. Furthermore, with the aim of building a sustainable talent pipeline for prestigious engineering careers, the partners have already launched an international internship program and a specialised academic course on AP1000® technology at Sofia University.
The Chairman of the Board of Directors of Kozloduy Nuclear Power Plant – New Builds, Alex Nestor, highlighted the importance of partnership between all participants in the project and its role in the successful implementation of the new capacities.
Project timeline and next steps
The project managers clearly stated that there is no delay in completing the planned activities and the project is progressing.
In response to public inquiries regarding the project schedule and key milestones for its execution, Elias Giddeon, Senior Vice President, New Nuclear Projects at Westinghouse, explained that the upcoming 14-month extension of the Engineering Services Contract (ESC) is a standard, strategic planning and risk mitigation mechanism in the execution of large-scale projects, aimed at ensuring the successful implementation of the main contract for the construction of the new nuclear power facilities. The extension will serve to further develop the site-specific technical design, support the project's licensing activities in Bulgaria, finalise the qualification programme for strategic, local suppliers and their integration into the project's supply chain, provide a final breakdown for capital and operational costs, and a final, detailed, and integrated project schedule, which will allow the National Assembly to make a final investment decision (FID) based on objective and clear parameters.
„We are fully committed to our partnership with Bulgaria and continue to move forward with the project for the new capacities at Kozloduy Nuclear Power Plant with AP1000® technology. Working closely with Kozloduy NPP – New Capacities and Hyundai on the implementation of this contract extension, we will manage to minimise financial and operational risks before making major capital investments, which will guarantee the successful construction of Units 7 and 8,„ noted Mr. Gideon.
„Hyundai E&C knows better than anyone else in the world what it truly means to build a nuclear power plant the right way, and we are fully committed to the mission of bringing that experience and capability to Bulgaria. The Kozloduy Nuclear Power Plant Units 7 and 8 project is not just a construction contract for us – we see it as a long-term partnership with the Bulgarian people. Through the extension of the Engineering Service Agreement (ESC), we will build the most stable technical and commercial foundation possible for the implementation of Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC), while continuing to develop the local supply chain in Bulgaria and train the next generation of Bulgarian nuclear specialists,„ said Dalwon Shin, Vice President of the Nuclear Solutions Division at Hyundai Engineering & Construction.
Following the completion of the additional activities within the scope of the engineering services contract, the project will transition smoothly into the main Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) phase in 2027, which includes the purchase and delivery of equipment, execution of site construction activities, and commissioning of the new nuclear power facilities.
AP1000 technology safety
In response to technical questions regarding the safety level of the AP1000 technology, Westinghouse clarified that the AP1000® technology uses an advanced concept of „Passive Safety Systems + Active Systems designed according to the defence-in-depth approach + Active engagement of safety systems“. The innovative AP1000® reactor is the only Generation III+ reactor, already commissioned, which has fully passive safety systems, a modular construction design, and the lowest carbon footprint per MWe on the market. While the reactor is globally recognised for its passive cooling capabilities using natural forces that do not require human intervention, it also has reliable active safety systems. The design has been developed in strict compliance with the current Bulgarian and European regulatory framework, along with the stringent standards of the Nuclear Regulatory Agency (NRA), the International Atomic Energy Agency, and the Association of European Nuclear Regulators.
AP1000® reactor units are setting operational efficiency records globally today, with another 14 units under construction and a further 5 units with approved designs ready for construction using this technology. Poland and Ukraine have also selected the AP1000® technology for the construction of new nuclear power plants, with the technology attracting interest for deployment at many other sites in Europe, the Middle East and North America. With its operational lifespan exceeding 60 years, the AP1000® technology at Kozloduy will provide stable, weather-independent, and affordable electricity, safely powering Bulgarian businesses and households for generations to come.
