Bulgaria is moving forward with its largest energy project in decades by advancing two new units at the Kozloduy nuclear power plant. Units 7 and 8 will use Westinghouse Electric’s AP1000 technology, marking the first reactors in Europe to be based on this design. Currently, only two plants worldwide operate with AP1000 units—one in the United States and one in China. The project aims to strengthen Bulgaria’s energy independence and ensure long-term system stability.
A partnership agreement has been signed in the United States between the project company NPP Kozloduy – New Build and Citi to arrange financing for the new units. This deal is described as Citi’s largest nuclear engagement in Central and Eastern Europe. Bulgarian authorities emphasize that sustainable funding is a key element of the country’s energy and climate security strategy, and Citi will provide the financial structuring needed to deliver reliable, affordable, low-carbon electricity over the long term.
The expansion plans call for two AP1000 units with a combined installed capacity of 2,300 MW. Each unit is expected to generate approximately 9–10 TWh of electricity annually. Official investment estimates range between 12 and 14 billion euros, while independent Bulgarian analyses suggest costs could reach around 17.6 billion euros. This could mean a minimum electricity price of about 60 euros per MWh before adding fuel and other operating expenses, potentially raising the cost to 100–125 euros per MWh.
Bulgaria has already allocated 766 million euros for the project and intends to hold a 30 percent stake. The current timeline projects Unit 7 entering service in 2035 and Unit 8 in 2037.
At present, NPP Kozloduy operates Units 5 and 6, commissioned in 1987 and 1991, each with a capacity of 1,000 MW. Together, they generate more than one-third of Bulgaria’s electricity. Units 1–4, commissioned between 1974 and 1982, were shut down between 2002 and 2007 for safety reasons and in line with Bulgaria’s commitments during its EU accession process.
