site.btaEnergy Minister Petkova: Russia Continues to Be Key Partner in Nuclear Energy

SN1045TE.105
105 ECONOMY - ENERGY MINISTER - RUSSIA - MEETINGS

Energy Minister Petkova: Russia Continues
to Be Key Partner
in Nuclear Energy

April 16 (BTA) - The excellent joint work between Bulgaria's Kozloduy N-plant and Russia's State Atomic Energy Corporation ROSATOM continues on implementing the programme for modernizing the N-plant's units 5 and 6, said here Bulgarian Energy Minister Temenouzhka Petkova during a meeting with ROSATOM's Director General Alexey Likhachev, as quoted by the Energy Ministry Tuesday. The meeting took place as part of the ATOMEXPO 2019 Nuclear for Better Life Forum, held in Sochi.

Minister Petkova has familiarized ROSATOM's representatives with the current stage of the procedure for selecting a strategic investor in the Belene N-plant project. The documentation is first to be published in the Official Journal of the European Union, after which the interested parties will be informed in writing that the 90 day deadline for submitting applications has started, Petkova explained, quoted by her Ministry.  Bulgaria' National Electricity Company will finish the procedure for licensing the project, she added. The Nuclear Regulatory Agency has confirmed the validity of the permits issued so far.

According to Petkova, Bulgaria counts on its partnership with ROSATOM for all stages of the Belene N-plant project's implementation. The two sides will continue their active dialogue in connection with the started procedure for selecting a strategic investor.

Earlier in the day, Petkova has conferred with representatives of the US General Electric, who confirmed their interest in participating in the Belene N-plant project as suppliers of part of the equipment and providing an engineer. General Electric could also assist with securing some of the project's financing, it transpired from the meeting. RY/MY
 




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