The Ministry of Energy is investing in the development of human resources for the nuclear industry.

Deputy Minister of Energy Georgi Samandov highlights the focus of Bulgaria on the sustainable development of human resources in the nuclear sector during his participation in the International Nuclear Conference organized by the Bulgarian Nuclear Forum (BULATOM).

Samandov emphasizes the potential of Bulgaria as a country with long-term experience in the operation of nuclear power plants and an energy mix covering all types of generating capacities. He points out that "The future needs energy and we are working hard to build units 7 and 8 of the Kozloduy NPP, new PHES, new electricity storage systems, and the development of small modular reactors".

The Deputy Minister highlighted human capital as the most important factor and presented the country's strategy for the preparation and sustainable development of nuclear specialists. He recalled that a program for personnel in nuclear technologies has been underway since last year, which provides 8.5 million levs for the next 5 years for the modernization of infrastructure, scientific projects, and doctoral studies.

At the same time, internship programs are being developed, often leading to permanent appointments, at the Kozloduy NPP and other state energy companies. Samandov also informed about the joint actions with the Ministry of Education and Science, for the introduction of exemptions related to the waiver of tuition fees for key specialties and the granting of scholarships, which amount to around 600,000 levs over the last 6 years.

"Nuclear energy provides not just work. It is an opportunity for intergenerational continuity," noted the Deputy Minister and assured that the doors of the Ministry of Energy are open to specialists in the field.