Westinghouse Electric Company, Hyundai Engineering & Construction, and Kozloduy NPP New Build EAD have signed an engineering services contract to develop two AP1000 nuclear reactors at the Kozloduy nuclear power plant site in Bulgaria.
According to the terms of the contract, Westinghouse and Hyundai will carry out site planning and design for the two AP1000 units. These units are said to be among the most advanced Generation III+ nuclear reactors currently available.
The contract also includes assistance with licensing and permitting for Kozloduy NPP – New Build EAD, as well as key project planning and operations and maintenance development. This 12-month contract is slated to start immediately.
Bulgaria’s first AP1000 reactor is expected to begin commercial operations by 2035.
Bulgarian Prime Minister Dimitar Glavchev said: “We are pleased to partner on the new build project with Westinghouse Electric Company and Hyundai Engineering & Construction, which are undisputed leaders in this field.”
To support the timeline, Westinghouse has signed memoranda of understanding (MoUs) with 22 Bulgarian suppliers, aiming to strengthen local industry involvement.
Located 200km north direction from Sofia and 5km east from the town of Kozloduy, on the bank of the Danube river, the Kozloduy project is the first nuclear power plant in Bulgaria and southeastern Europe.
The project is expected to offer Bulgarian companies the opportunity to support over 30 AP1000 units planned globally.
Construction on Kozloduy’s first reactor commenced in 1970. Units 1 to 4 were all shut down by 2007.
The AP1000 reactor encompasses passive safety features, modular design, and compact footprint.
Westinghouse Energy Systems president Dan Lipman said: “We are pleased to extend our long-term relationship with Bulgaria, and to work closely in building two advanced AP1000 units that will bolster Bulgaria’s energy security.
“This project will not only deliver clean, safe and stable power to Bulgaria, it will also create high-quality jobs and real economic benefits for years to come and foster Bulgaria’s energy independence.”
