Bulgaria to Build Danube Weir to Secure Cooling at Kozloduy Nuclear Power Plant

Bulgaria plans to construct a weir approximately 250 to 300 meters long on the Danube River near the Kozloduy Nuclear Power Plant to ensure the stable operation of the plant's cooling system. Bulgarian Energy Minister Eva Petrova stated that the construction work is expected to take 10 to 15 days, with preliminary preparations already completed.

Petrova noted that, due to the persistently low water level of the Danube, the Bulgarian side made this decision after analyzing hydrological conditions and conducting hydraulic model simulations. The weir will be used to improve water intake conditions for the nuclear power plant, ensuring the water supply required for the cooling system.

Previously, due to the declining water level of the Danube, Unit 5 of the Kozloduy Nuclear Power Plant had its power output reduced by 120 megawatts to avoid potential operational risks.

The Kozloduy Nuclear Power Plant uses Danube River water to cool steam in the condensers of the conventional island, with water intake carried out by dedicated pump stations located on the riverbank. This cooling process is not part of the reactor's nuclear island systems, but it plays an important role in the safe and stable operation of the units.