NPP Kozloduy is preparing to introduce alternative nuclear fuel in Unit 6, as part of efforts to reduce reliance on Russian suppliers and diversify nuclear fuel sources. Director Ivan Andreev said revised documentation was resubmitted to the Nuclear Regulatory Agency after an earlier application was returned over technical deficiencies. The operator and regulator said the issues identified previously have been addressed, and the proposal is now in a substantive review phase. Experimental fuel assemblies supplied by Westinghouse are planned for installation in Unit 6 as part of the qualification process before wider use.
Regulatory review and Westinghouse qualification steps
Andreev confirmed that the resubmission followed the regulator’s return of the initial filing due to technical problems. Both NPP Kozloduy and the Nuclear Regulatory Agency indicated that the deficiencies have been corrected. The qualification programme for Unit 6 includes experimental fuel assemblies from Westinghouse prior to broader deployment of the new fuel type.
Framatome talks and scheduled fuel deliveries for Unit 6
NPP Kozloduy is also expanding cooperation with other international suppliers alongside Westinghouse. Representatives of French Framatome are expected to visit the plant later this month to discuss future fuel deliveries for Unit 6. Current schedules foresee arrival of fuel shipments by November, with contractual provisions including penalties if deliveries are delayed.
Officials said the French fuel design is compatible with existing reactor requirements. They also stated that, even if deliveries were postponed, the plant has sufficient fuel reserves to keep operations running well into the next decade. Diversification of nuclear fuel supply remains a broader strategic priority for the facility.
Sanctions impact on Russian procurement and alternative sourcing
Andreev said transactions involving Russian suppliers have become more difficult due to sanctions-related restrictions and concerns among financial institutions about secondary sanctions. He added that these obstacles have slowed payment processing and complicated procurement procedures. To manage these risks, NPP Kozloduy has been expanding its network of alternative suppliers.
A larger share of equipment, valves, and technical components is now sourced from Bulgarian manufacturers and companies across the European Union. The utility is also exploring substitute suppliers for specialized membrane systems and other critical equipment.
