The localising of activities for Units 7 and 8 of the Kozloduy Nuclear Power Plant is a key factor for the project's success.
The localisation of activities for Units 7 and 8 of Kozloduy Nuclear Power Plant is a key factor for the project's success, stated the Executive Director of Kozloduy Nuclear Power Plant – New Capacities EAD, Petyo Ivanov, during the panel dedicated to nuclear energy at the Green Transition Forum. The discussion also included Ivan Pironkov, Managing Director, Westinghouse Bulgaria, Desong Kim, Project Quality Director, Hyundai Engineering & Construction Co.,Ltd., and Bogomil Manchev, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Bulatom.
Ivanov emphasised that the project is much more than an energy investment. It creates opportunities for the transfer of technology, knowledge and know-how to the Bulgarian economy, while simultaneously supporting the development of local companies, expertise and human capital.
„The project serves as a bridge between the Bulgarian economy and international suppliers, creating conditions for the transfer of technology and knowledge. Bulgarian companies have already successfully participated in a number of modernisation projects at the Kozloduy Nuclear Power Plant, which shows that nuclear energy is part of our DNA. It is precisely through the development of human capital and expertise that we should assess the long-term benefits of the project for the Bulgarian economy,„ stated the Executive Director of “Kozloduy Nuclear Power Plant - New Facilities“.
The expected economic effect of the construction of the 7th and 8th units of the Kozloduy Nuclear Power Plant is over 64 billion euros, of which around 9 billion euros will be during construction and over 55 billion euros during the operational period of the new capacities.
He also stressed that the localisation of operations and supplies is crucial for limiting project risks and building a sustainable supply chain.
Ivanov explained that both Westinghouse and Hyundai Engineering & Construction are actively working to involve Bulgarian companies in the project's implementation. Hyundai has set localisation targets for its activities, while Westinghouse is continuing the process of identifying and qualifying Bulgarian suppliers. The role of „Kozloduy NPP – New Power Plants“ is to support this process and monitor the fulfilment of commitments.
„The higher the degree of localisation, the greater the benefits for the Bulgarian economy and industry,“ Ivanov emphasised.
Ivanov also explained that the company is actively working towards meeting the deadlines set out in the project's development roadmap. Key upcoming stages include fulfilling the preconditions for signing the Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) contract, including the submission of an application for state aid and the making of a final investment decision.
For their part, Westinghouse confirmed their commitment to maximum participation from Bulgarian industry, describing the Bulgarian team as one of the strongest.
Hyundai Engineering & Construction announced that over 120 Bulgarian companies with potential for inclusion in the project have already been identified, and that they will continue to work to expand this circle and enhance the capacity of local suppliers.
