Bulgarian Expert Says Belene NPP Restart Technically Feasible

Bulgarian energy expert Bogomil Manchev recently stated that the long-dormant Belene NPP project remains technically viable for restart. If Bulgaria and Ukraine jointly participate in financing and establish a co-ownership mechanism, the project could become a new nuclear power project built through bilateral cooperation.

Manchev believes that Ukraine will still face significant electricity demand for a long period in the future. If funding can be secured for the project, Bulgaria could proceed with nuclear power plant construction at the original Belene site. His proposed options include joint financing and co-ownership by both countries, or Ukraine signing a long-term power purchase agreement to support project financing.

Regarding the use of equipment already procured for the Belene NPP, Manchev stated that Bulgaria has already obtained the relevant equipment, and some metal samples are still being tested. Once the analysis is complete, equipment responsibility can be assumed by the future plant owner or the project company. He indicated that, apart from reactor-related equipment, non-nuclear island equipment such as turbines could be supplied by Western manufacturers, with French companies having the potential to participate in the supply.

Manchev disagreed with the claim that "the project cannot proceed without the signature of the Russian chief designer." He stated that the chief designer's signature primarily concerns the division of design responsibility. If the future project owner or design company assumes the corresponding responsibility and completes the necessary material inspections, the project is not without room for advancement.

Regarding potential cooperation partners, Manchev considers France a suitable choice. He noted that France has signed a nuclear fuel supply contract for Unit 6 of the Kozloduy NPP, and the Belene NPP plans to use the same type of fuel. In his assessment, France could supply not only fuel-related systems but also primary circuit neutron flux management, reactor operation control systems, and non-nuclear plant equipment. Whether the project can proceed depends critically on France's willingness to participate and the specific financial terms.

If the Belene NPP is restarted, relevant administrative and regulatory procedures will need to be re-implemented. Manchev stated that since the technical route, reactor power, and fuel type have not changed, the environmental impact assessment does not necessarily have to start from scratch, but it must be re-demonstrated that the existing assessment conclusions remain applicable. The construction license will need to be re-issued, and the project should submit relevant safety review documents to the nuclear regulatory authority in accordance with current requirements.

He also stated that the Belene site is already well-prepared, with basic conditions for Units 1 and 2 already in place. The site was originally planned to accommodate four reactors. If Units 3 and 4 are to be built in the future, additional infrastructure will be required, but this is at least twenty to thirty years away.

Regarding another nuclear power construction plan in Bulgaria, the project for Units 7 and 8 of the Kozloduy NPP is still progressing. Manchev stated that Westinghouse Electric Company recently applied to extend its conceptual design contract related to the "Kozloduy NPP – New Capacity" project by 14 months. If the extension is approved, the conceptual design is expected to continue until mid-2027, followed by the detailing of equipment lists and project costs. Some equipment may be manufactured by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI), and supply chain arrangements still need further clarification.

According to Manchev's estimate, if the first concrete for Kozloduy Unit 7 is poured in 2032 and construction proceeds as planned, the unit could enter commercial operation around 2037. Unit 8, due to remaining site and technical details that need to be finalized, may begin commercial operation between 2039 and 2040.