site.btaNuclear Regulatory Agency Reports Activities in 2023

The leadership of the Bulgarian Nuclear Regulatory Agency (BNRA) on Thursday reported its activities in 2023 to journalists in four main areas - nuclear safety, radiation protection, Integrated Regulatory Review Service, and public relations and public communications. The report was presented by BNRA Chairman Tsanko Bachiyski.

In relation to the construction of a new nuclear power units at Kozloduy NPP, based on the decision of the National Assembly in January 2023 that this would be based on Westinghouse's AR1000 technology, BNRA noted that the licensing process for Unit 7 of the NPP is at the site approval stage, with an order issued by the Chairman of the regulator approving the selected site.

The next step is for NPP Kozloduy - New Capacities to apply for a design permit. As regards the agreement in principle for the construction of Unit 8 of Kozloduy NPP, effective solutions should be sought to start the licensing procedure for the new nuclear power plant.

A decision by BNRA on the licensing of Westinghouse's fuel for Kozloduy NPP is expected in April, Bachiyski told journalists at the briefing.

The planned refurbishment of Kozloduy NPP Unit 5 is scheduled for May, with fuel loading to take place in the middle of the month, he said.

In relation to operation, the compatibility of this fuel with the Russian feedstock used is an essential element of the analysis. The process of replacing the Russian nuclear fuel from TVEL, a Rosatom-owned nuclear fuel cycle company, with that of Westinghouse will take place in stages, within four campaigns, the BNRA Chairman said. The first campaign will be in mid-May with the loading of 42 cartridges. For four years to come, both fuels will be used simultaneously. “This is the main assessment we have to make - what behaviour the two fuels have," Bachiyski explained.