site.btaUPDATED International Conference on Bulgarian Nuclear Energy to Be Held Near Varna

Caretaker Energy Minister Vladimir Malinov Wednesday said nuclear energy is a top priority for all Bulgarian governments. He spoke to reporters before the opening of an international conference titled "Bulgarian Nuclear Energy - National, Regional and Global Energy Security" near Varna.

The diversification of nuclear fuel for Kozloduy NPP's Unit 5 is already a fact, Malinov said. The scheduled annual maintenance is to be completed next week and the reactor will be linked to the grid.

Work on the project for the 7th and 8th Units of the plant is also underway, Malinov noted. There is already a firm commitment from the bank that will provide funding, and from the two companies that will implement the project. The project is important for Bulgaria, the region and the whole of Europe. "I have always insisted on a strong participation of Bulgarian companies and experts in the implementation of the project, so that 30%-40% of the costs that will be incurred for the implementation of the 7th and 8th units will remain in Bulgaria," the minister said.

The international conference is organized annually by the Bulgarian Atomic Forum (BULATOM) association, where engineering and construction companies, as well as experts in the field of nuclear energy, are members.

President Rumen Radev will welcome the participants. The forum will also be attended by Nuclear Regulation Agency Chairperson Tsanko Bachiyski, Electricity System Operator Executive Director Angelin Tsachev, and Kozloduy NPP Executive Director Valentin Nikolov.