Bulgarian Energy Minister to Inspect Unit Operations at Kozloduy Nuclear Power Plant

Bulgaria's Ministry of Energy announced on August 3 that Energy Minister Iva Petrova will visit the Kozloduy Nuclear Power Plant on August 4. Experts from the Ministry of Energy, along with representatives of the management of Bulgarian Energy Holding (BEH) and the Electricity System Operator (ESO), will accompany her.

According to the Bulgarian Ministry of Energy, the visit will focus on understanding the current operational status of Units 5 and 6 at the Kozloduy Nuclear Power Plant, assessing the impact of the abnormally low Danube River water level on plant operations, and reviewing measures taken by the Ministry to ensure the security of Bulgaria's electricity system.

On August 2, the Bulgarian Ministry of Energy stated that despite the Danube River water level dropping to a historic low, the two nuclear units at the Kozloduy Nuclear Power Plant would continue to operate at planned output.

The Kozloduy Nuclear Power Plant previously stated that in response to the record-low Danube River water level, measures have been taken to ensure the safe and reliable operation of the nuclear facility. The plant also clarified that Danube River water is primarily used to cool steam in the condensers of the non-nuclear part of the plant, not for cooling the reactor core itself.

The nuclear power plant also stated that its shore-based pumping station, located in a deep-water river bay, can ensure a continuous water supply. The design of this pumping station is based on river water level observations spanning a century. The plant's front area is also equipped with an automated continuous water level monitoring system to track Danube River water level changes in real time.