site.btaEnergy Minister Traikov Asks for Faster Work on Westinghouse Project in Bulgaria

Caretaker Energy Minister Traicho Traikov discussed the progress of a project to build new capacities at the Kozloduy Nuclear Power Plant with Westinghouse Senior Vice President Joel Eacker, responsible for projects in Europe, the Middle East and Africa, and Oscar Prat, Senior Bulgaria Project Director for the Kozloduy AP1000 project. The meeting was also attended by Jen Bauer, Deputy Political-Economic Chief at the US Embassy in Sofia.

Traikov noted the significance of the large-scale energy project, both in the context of the diversification and modernization of the nuclear sector in Bulgaria, and in view of the increase in electricity consumption. He noted some controversial steps in the project's implementation and called for an acceleration of the schedule of activities necessary for its effective completion.

"Expectations for the project are high. Given the need for broad public support, it is essential that it be developed effectively and transparently," said Traikov. He emphasized that as a country with long-standing experience in nuclear energy, Bulgaria seeks to maintain its advantage in project timelines against the backdrop of the changed energy strategies of major EU countries.

Joel Eacker noted the progress made so far, with the main priority remaining to create an effective implementation framework and maintain a clear and sustainable implementation schedule. He said efforts are focused on creating a fully approved European version of AP1000, which will provide the country with a significantly lower risk profile in licensing and construction.