site.btaEnergy Minister Malinov: Building New Nuclear Capacities Is Key for Energy Security of Bulgaria, Region

The project for the construction of Units 7 and 8 of Kozloduy N-plant is among the key priorities in the work of the current government, caretaker Energy Minister Vladimir Malinov was quoted as saying by his Ministry on Monday. "It is of strategic importance both for Bulgaria's and the region's energy security and for achieving the decarbonization goals," Malinov noted as he conferred with Hyundai Engineering & Construction’s Regional Director for Europe and North Africa Hyunghwan Park.

On February 23, 2024, the National Assembly gave the green light to talks between Kozloduy N-plant and the South Korean company Hyundai Engineering & Construction, which ended up being the only candidate in the short list of potential construction companies for engineering, construction, delivery and commissioning of Units 7 and 8 at the Kozloduy N-plant Site 2. The future N-plant units will use the AP1000 technology of US-based Westinghouse.

During the meeting with Malinov, Park shared Hyundai's experience and expertise in nuclear energy as one of the leading companies building nuclear power plants.

Malinov stressed that an investment of this scale is extremely important for the Bulgarian economy. "We rely on our joint cooperation for the successful implementation of the project in compliance with all security and safety requirements, within the planned timeframe and budget. It is crucial for us to have Bulgarian companies with the relevant expertise involved in the construction of the new nuclear capacities," Malinov further noted.