Bulgaria is on the brink of entering the small modular reactor (SMR) sector through a strategic partnership between Poland-based Synthos Green Energy and local firm Blue Bird Energy. This collaboration aims to establish a joint venture that will focus on deploying up to six advanced SMR units within the country, marking a significant step toward diversifying Bulgaria’s energy portfolio.
The initiative is designed to create a new generation of zero-emission nuclear energy, which is expected to provide continuous and competitively priced electricity. The proposed reactors will primarily cater to energy-intensive industrial consumers, support the burgeoning data center and artificial intelligence sectors, and assist in the decarbonization of district heating systems across Bulgaria.
In this joint venture, both partners will undertake critical responsibilities such as identifying and preparing suitable sites for reactor installation, navigating complex licensing and regulatory frameworks, overseeing construction and project execution, securing necessary financing, and ensuring long-term operational safety once the facilities become operational.
The reactors under consideration are the BWRX-300 units developed by GE Vernova Hitachi. This design incorporates passive safety features alongside modular construction techniques, which are anticipated to reduce build times significantly while lowering investment costs. Estimates suggest potential capital cost reductions of up to 60% per megawatt compared to conventional nuclear projects, positioning this technology as one of the most viable SMR options available today.
With this development, Bulgaria joins an expanding group of nations—including the United States, Canada, Poland, and Hungary—that are preparing to implement BWRX-300 technology. Synthos Green Energy has highlighted that access to stable and affordable baseload electricity could enhance Bulgaria’s industrial competitiveness while also providing opportunities for local enterprises to engage in the global supply chain for this type of reactor.
Synthos Green Energy, founded in 2019, is a co-investor in the standardized design of the BWRX-300 and has been actively expanding its SMR partnerships across numerous European markets. The Bulgarian project represents a significant advancement in its strategy to scale this technology across the region.
Blue Bird Energy operates out of Sofia and specializes in early-stage development for small modular nuclear projects. Its focus includes conducting feasibility studies, site selection processes, engineering tasks, construction management, and commissioning activities. According to Bulgaria’s commercial register, key shareholders include Glavbolgarstroy—a prominent construction and engineering group—and Assarel-Medet, which is recognized as Bulgaria’s largest copper mining and processing company.
