On June 4, 2025, the Minister of Energy, Zhecho Stankov, opened the International Nuclear Conference, organized by the Bulgarian Nuclear Forum (BULАТОМ). The event brought together leading experts from around the world who discussed the prospects and challenges facing the nuclear industry.
In his speech to the delegates, Minister Stankov stressed that nuclear energy is the key to Bulgaria's sustainable energy future. Our country has set a goal to be the first in the EU with a working AP 1000 reactor. The expectation is that the contract for the realization of the 7th and 8th units of the Kozloduy NPP will be signed in 2026, after the final investment decision is made.
The Minister explained that three key conditions are necessary for the successful construction of the new units: ensuring state financing between 20 and 30%, negotiations with export-import banks for external financing, as well as discussions with the European Commission on the state aid regime.
Given the expectation that around 10,000 people will be engaged at the peak of construction, Stankov emphasized the strategic priority related to the training of personnel in the energy sector. He announced that, in cooperation with the Ministry of Education, additional programs have been developed to finance students and stimulate interest in these specialties.
The Minister of Energy also shared the idea of attracting additional investments through the construction of AI gigafactories and data centers on the territory of the Kozloduy NPP. This will allow Bulgaria to maintain its role as a net exporter of energy in Southeastern Europe, while at the same time some of the produced electricity will remain in the country and bring added value.
During the conference, Minister Stankov held a bilateral meeting with the Slovenian State Secretary, Daniel Levičar, in which they discussed the nuclear projects on which the two countries are working.
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