Nuclear energy in Bulgaria: history and prospects

Bulgaria is a country located on the Balkan Peninsula in Southeast Europe. With a population of around 7 million, the country has a diversified energy mix, based on a combination of fossil and renewable energy sources. Nuclear power also plays an important role in the country’s electricity production, accounting for around 34% of electricity generated in 2020 [1]. This article provides an overview of the history of nuclear power generation in Bulgaria, the nuclear reactor technologies used and innovative power plant and reactor projects.

Bulgaria has a long history of nuclear power generation, which plays a key role in the country’s energy security and reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. Existing nuclear reactors at the Kozloduy power plant supply a significant proportion of the country’s electricity, while the Belene nuclear power plant project and advanced modular reactor development initiatives demonstrate the country’s commitment to safe, sustainable nuclear power for the future.

History of nuclear power generation in Bulgaria

Bulgaria began exploring nuclear power in the 1960s, with the construction of the Kozloduy nuclear power plant, located near the Danube on the border between Bulgaria and Romania [2]. The Kozloduy plant was commissioned in 1974 and, at its peak, operated six reactors. However, due to safety concerns and pressure from the European Union, four of the six reactors were shut down between 2002 and 2006 [3]. Today, the Kozloduy plant has two reactors in operation, with a total capacity of 2,000 megawatts of electricity (MWe) [4].

Nuclear reactor technologies used in Bulgaria

The nuclear reactors in operation at the Kozloduy power plant are Russian-designed pressurized water reactors (PWRs). These reactors use pressurized water to cool the nuclear fuel and keep the chain reaction under control. The two reactors operating at Kozloduy, units 5 and 6, each have a capacity of 1000 MWe and are VVER-1000 (Vodo-Vodyanoi Energetichesky Reactor) type V-320 reactors [4].

VVER reactors are designed for high efficiency and long service life. Kozloduy units 5 and 6 have received improvements and safety upgrades since they were commissioned in 1987 and 1991 respectively. These upgrades were carried out to meet international nuclear safety standards and to extend the reactors’ lifespan [5].

Innovative power plant and reactor projects

Bulgaria is considering the construction of a new nuclear power plant to meet the growing demand for electricity and reduce its dependence on fossil fuels. The Belene nuclear power plant project, located near the town of Belene on the Danube, was first launched in 1981, but has experienced numerous delays and controversies [6]. The project was suspended in 2012 due to financial and environmental concerns, but was relaunched in 2018 [7].

The Belene plant is to be equipped with two VVER-1200 reactors, an upgraded and more efficient version of the VVER-1000 reactor. These reactors are designed to meet the most stringent international safety and performance standards. The total planned capacity of the Belene power plant is 2,400 MWe [8].

In addition to the Belene project, Bulgaria is also studying innovative solutions for developing nuclear energy, in particular advanced modular reactors (AMRs). RMAs are small, streamlined reactors that can be mass-produced and rapidly deployed to meet energy needs. They also offer safety, cost and flexibility advantages over traditional nuclear reactors [9].

List of Bulgarian nuclear reactors

Countries producing nuclear power

References

• [1] International Atomic Energy Agency (2020). PRIS Database. Retrieved from https://pris.iaea.org/
• [2] [3] [4] [5][6] [7] [8] World Nuclear Association (2021). Nuclear Power in Bulgaria. Retrieved from https://www.world-nuclear.org/information-library/country-profiles/countries-a-f/bulgaria.aspx
• [9] World Nuclear Association (2021). Small Nuclear Power Reactors. Retrieved from https://www.world-nuclear.org/information-library/nuclear-fuel-cycle/nuclear-power-reactors/small-nuclear-power-reactors.aspx