site.btaDeputy Energy Minister Nikolov Meets Nuclear Industry Leaders in Paris

Deputy Energy Minister Nikolai Nikolov is attending the World Nuclear Exhibition which takes place every two years in Paris and brings together leaders of the nuclear industry. Diversification of nuclear fuel for Kozloduy N-plant, future projects for development of new nuclear capacities in Bulgaria, possibilities for training of Bulgarian nuclear energy students with global leaders were on the agenda of talks of Nikolov in the French capital, the Energy Ministry said on Friday. 

Nikolov and Westinghouse President and CEO Patrick Fragman discussed supplies of fresh nuclear fuel for Unit 5 of Kozloduy N-plant. The Deputy Minister briefed Fragman about progress in connection with Bulgaria’s plans to build new nuclear capacities on the site of Kozloduy N-plant. 

Bulgaria's energy policy dominated talks between Nikolov and EDF Group CEO Luc Remont. The company is interested in participating in Bulgaria’s projects for new nuclear capacities, RES and energy storage. The sides agreed to exchange data and experience between the nuclear operators of the two countries. 

Framatome is interested in participating in future auctions for supply of equipment outside the nuclear island for Units 7 and 8, which will be built on the Kozloduy site. This transpired from a meeting between Nikolov and Framatome CEO Bernard Fontana. The French company is ready to sign agreements with Bulgarian universities for training of nuclear experts. 
 
In Paris Deputy Minister Nikolov took part in the annual meeting of the nuclear alliance countries, which was dominated by the Declaration for Tripling Nuclear Power. Members of the Declaration have committed to taking steps to ensure that their nuclear facilities will be operated responsibly in line with the highest safety standards, sustainability and security. Bulgaria joined the Declaration by a decision of the Council of Ministers this week. It will be formally presented at the Climate Change Conference COP28 in Dubai.