site.btaSuccessful Development of Nuclear Energy Sector in Bulgaria Requires Adequate Risk Management, Energy Expert Says

The successful development of the nuclear energy sector in Bulgaria requires adequate risk management, Bulgarian Energy and Mining Forum Chair Ivan Hinovski said in a BTA interview on the occasion of the 3rd International Nuclear Conference held on January 25-26 in Sofia.

Taking a question about the future of Bulgaria’s nuclear power industry, Hinovski said that this country’s new energy strategy envisages Bulgaria replacing its coal-fired power plants by 2050.

Commenting on the country’s plans for the construction of the 7th and 8th units of the Kozloduy N-Plant, the BEMF Chair said that this project is currently in the phase of strategic and geopolitical decision-making and is yet to become a reality. He added that it is clear to experts in the field that the project will face many challenges, including engineering, financial, regulatory, market, and geopolitical ones. Asked whether Bulgaria will be able to implement it, Hinovski said that he cannot be confident and give a positive answer. He noted that a scientific research institute with majority state participation should be established and assist the project company in the technical aspects of the project.

Asked whether this country has enough professionals to develop its nuclear energy sector, Hinkov gave a negative answer. He noted that there has been no sustainable state policy aimed at keeping the existing personnel and training new experts. The BEMF Chair said that the reasons lie partly in the "anti-nuclear policy of major European economies, the major nuclear accidents that have occurred, the irresponsible anti-nuclear arguments of green organizations, the one-sided understanding of the European Commission of emission-free energy". Hinkov noted that the EU and the world have now realized that there can be no energy security without nuclear power.

He said that nuclear energy has a future in Europe and across the globe, adding that it does not conflict with the European Green Deal but complements it.