Bulgarian Regulator: Kozloduy Units 5 and 6 Expected to Operate Until 2049 and 2051

Tsanko Bachiyski, Chairman of the Bulgarian Nuclear Regulatory Agency (NRA), told media at the Kozloduy site that as long as the operational safety of the units is continuously verified and ensured, the currently operating Units 5 and 6 of the Kozloduy Nuclear Power Plant will be approved for continued long-term service.

It is understood that the current life extension assessment reports indicate that, based on the current technical and physical condition of the units and the implementation of planned maintenance and upgrade measures, Unit 5 has the engineering potential to operate until 2049, while Unit 6 is expected to operate until 2051; the final actual operating life of the units will strictly depend on their physical and technical condition, which must be dynamically verified through routine Periodic Safety Reviews (PSR) in accordance with internationally accepted standards such as those of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). Bachiyski pointed out that nuclear power license holders must submit detailed safety justification reports every 10 years to demonstrate the safe operating margins of the facilities; if the regulatory body deems it necessary during the supervision and assessment process, the review and assessment cycle may also be shortened according to safety management needs.

Regarding the latest regulatory review schedule for the two units, Bachiyski disclosed that the latest round of 10-year safety review results for Kozloduy Unit 5 is expected to be officially released before the end of 2026, while the corresponding periodic safety review for Unit 6 will be fully launched one year later.