site.btaBulgaria and United States Deepen Nuclear Energy Cooperation with Vienna Agreement

Energy Minister Zhecho Stankov and US Secretary of Energy Christopher Wright signed a joint statement reaffirming the civil nuclear cooperation agreement between Bulgaria and the United States in Vienna, the Ministry of Energy’s press service said here on Tuesday.

The document was signed during the General Conference of the International Atomic Energy Agency in Vienna, Austria. Through this statement, both countries confirmed their commitment to collaborate on the development and implementation of innovative modern nuclear reactor technologies, strengthening Bulgaria’s economic security and resilience with support from the United States, provided by the US Nuclear Energy Office within the US Department of Energy. 

With the signed agreement, Bulgaria will be able to draw on the expertise of US laboratories during a pre-project study assessing the viability and suitability of potential sites for the accelerated deployment of small modular reactors. This study will support preparations and provide the basis for further steps toward adopting this advanced technology in Bulgaria.

The US Trade and Development Agency has already declared its readiness to provide funding for a review of various small modular reactor technologies, supporting the identification of those best suited to Bulgarian conditions, the statement said.

“Nuclear energy plays a key role in achieving European-wide goals for energy security and competitiveness. With support from our US partners, Bulgaria will have the chance to develop and enhance its decades-long expertise in the safe operation of nuclear capacities, enriching it with the latest technologies and further cementing its role as a leader in the production of emission-free, clean, and accessible energy for the entire region of Southeast Europe,” Stankov said during the signing of the document.

The joint statement deepens and builds upon the excellent cooperation between Bulgaria and the United States in the field of nuclear energy. It is of strategic importance for the partnership between the two countries, helping to ensure Bulgaria’s leadership in clean energy in Southeast Europe through the deployment of cutting-edge nuclear technologies.

Next week, Stankov will join the Bulgarian delegation led by Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov in New York to participate in the general debate of the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly. While in the United States, Stankov will hold discussions with government and business leaders on topics related to nuclear energy development, the statement concluded.