site.btaEnergy Minister Stankov Confers with US Charge d'Affaires Falatko

Deepening cooperation in all areas of mutual interest with an emphasis on nuclear energy was the main topic of the talks between Energy Minister Zhecho Stankov and Chargé d'Affaires ad interim of the United States in Sofia Susan Falatko, the ministry's press office said on Friday. The meeting, which took place at the Energy Ministry, was also attended by NPP Kozloduy New Builds Executive Director Petyo Ivanov.

Minister Stankov presented the progress on the construction of Units 7 and 8 at Kozloduy NPP and underlined the key importance of the project for the energy security in Bulgaria and the South East Europe region. It is of particular importance for Bulgaria that the project is implemented within the set timeframe, the Energy Minister stressed and clarified that the final investment decision should be taken and the financing secured by the end of the year.

In the context of this progress, Stankov briefed Falatko on the idea of the Ministry of Energy to build a data centre on the territory around Kozloduy NPP. In his words, this area is particularly suitable in terms of energy security, as well as the principle of generating electricity where it is needed. Discussions about it have already been held during Minister Stankov's recent visit to the US with several US companies, including Microsoft, Blackstone and others. It is an excellent opportunity to create added value from electricity generation.

The nuclear fuel diversification programme being implemented at Kozloduy NPP was also among the topics of discussion. Stankov introduced Falatko to the progress of the activities and underlined their key importance for energy security. The statement recalled that in the middle of last year Unit 5 of the plant was loaded with the first 43 cartridges of nuclear fuel produced by Westinghouse.