Representatives from Bulgaria’s Kozloduy nuclear power plant (NPP) and Westinghouse Electric Company have signed an agreement to develop the necessary safety analyses for licensing and implementing an alternative nuclear fuel type at the plant’s Unit 6. This agreement marks a further step in the longstanding partnership between NPP Kozloduy and Westinghouse, which originally began with a focus on command and control systems but has since expanded to include fuel supply diversification. The collaboration has now evolved to include plans for the development of new facilities.
Westinghouse Electric Company’s CEO, Patrick Fragman, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to integrating a proposed new Unit 7 at NPP Kozloduy into the European energy grid by 2034.
Bulgaria’s Energy Minister, Vladimir Malinov, emphasized the country’s ongoing commitment to diversifying its energy sector. He noted that this new agreement is a clear indication of Bulgaria’s dedication to securing a reliable, long-term fuel source for Unit 6. Minister Malinov also highlighted 2025 as a crucial year for planning the construction of additional capacities at Kozloduy, with a comprehensive investment proposal—including costs, timelines, and financing structures—expected to be presented to the National Assembly by the end of that year.
In response to questions about this new agreement and the existing 10-year contract with French company Framatome for partial fuel replacement at Unit 6, Minister Malinov clarified that the Westinghouse contract is valid for 48 months. The agreement will see test fuel assemblies from Westinghouse installed in 2026. Importantly, the contract with Westinghouse focuses solely on the licensing process and does not commit Bulgaria to purchasing fuel from the company.
