site.btaGovernment Grants Derogation over Supplies for Kozloduy Nuclear Power Plant

The Council of Ministers granted a derogation from Article 3j(1), Article 3i(1), and Article 5k(1) of Council Regulation (EU) No 833/2014 of July 31, 2014, concerning restrictive measures in view of Russia's actions destabilizing the situation in Ukraine, the government press service reported on Wednesday.

The derogation allows the Kozloduy Nuclear Power Plant to conclude a public procurement contract with a selected contractor. The plant will be permitted to import from Russia iron and steel products necessary for the performance of the contract. The derogation is granted for the duration of the respective contracts.

A priority in the operation of Kozloduy NPP is maintaining the highest level of technical and nuclear safety, radiation protection, safe and healthy working conditions, as well as environmental protection. Regular deliveries of components and parts from the designers, constructors, and manufacturers of the equipment installed at the plant are a key guarantee of nuclear safety and uninterrupted electricity generation. As a large portion of the systems and equipment at the plant are of Russian origin, some contracts for the supply of goods related to the reliable and safe operation of Units 5 and 6 of Kozloduy NPP have been concluded, or need to be concluded, with Russian contractors.

The Kozloduy NPP is the only nuclear power plant in Bulgaria and the largest producer of electricity in the country. It provides more than one third of the national annual electricity production. Together with its high operational safety and reliable electricity supply, this determines its role as a key factor for the stability of the national power system and for the country's energy security.