Petyo Ivanov: We have always worked on this project, dreaming of seeing a functioning power plant, not just PowerPoint slides.
GREETINGS ADDRESS FROM „NPP KOZLODUY – NEW UNITS“ EAD
It is an honour for me to address you today at the forum, which brings together the people shaping the future of nuclear energy in Bulgaria. I would like to thank the organisers from BULATOM for gathering so many experts in one place for another year.
The world is at a pivotal moment in the development of the energy sector. Today, over 75 nuclear reactors are under construction worldwide, with around 120 more in various stages of planning. Bulgaria is part of this global trend, building upon its long-standing experience in the safe and reliable operation of nuclear power facilities.
In recent years, many countries have made ambitious political decisions to reduce carbon emissions. However, few have taken substantial steps towards realising this vision. In a number of cases, we have witnessed decisions driven more by short-term political messaging than by long-term strategy. And this is not new. Energy has always been a matter of huge public, economic, and political importance. This is precisely why the role of nuclear energy is more important than ever today.
In Bulgaria, this vision has its specific dimension – the project for units 7 and 8 of the Kozloduy Nuclear Power Plant. It is an investment in our country's future competitiveness, in the development of industry, in human capital, and in the generations that will rely on the decisions we make today.
We've always worked on this project, dreaming of seeing a functioning power plant, rather than just some PowerPoint slides.
Within the forum, the Kozloduy NPP - New Builds team will present its progress and the specific steps we are taking for its implementation. But I would like us to look beyond the schedules, procedures, and engineering solutions.
The reactors we are preparing today will likely be in operation beyond the year 2100.
These new capacities will outlast all of us. They will provide energy for a world we cannot yet fully imagine today. They will support industries, technologies and generations that are yet to emerge.
Therefore, if we consider nuclear energy solely through the lens of the present moment, we underestimate its true significance.
Nuclear energy isn't just clean and reliable. It's sustainable. As the famous Ford slogan goes, it's „Built Ford Tough.“.
This is precisely why the question before us is not whether we can build. The question is whether we have the ambition, the vision, and the determination to build on the necessary scale. Because we cannot grow if we think small-time.
I am convinced that in 70 years, the people who will be in this room, or standing on this stage, will be able to point to the projects we are discussing today as those that changed Bulgaria's energy history.
Thank you and I wish you a successful conference.
