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Low Danube Water Level Tests Bulgaria's Nuclear Operations, Energy Minister Says Kozloduy Plant Can Sustain Operations for About a Week and a Half

Bulgarian Energy Minister Iva Petrova said on August 7 that if the Danube River water level remains at its current level, the Kozloduy nuclear power plant can continue normal operations for about a week and a half. She described the situation facing the plant as difficult and dynamically changing, while emphasizing that the plant is currently operating stably with no direct failures affecting power generation. The Kozloduy nuclear power plant is a critical facility in Bulgaria's power system, and the high attention paid to Danube water level changes is mainly related to the cooling conditions required for plant operations. Persistently low water levels may increase operational dispatch pressure and require the energy sector to more frequently assess safety margins and subsequent response measures.

2026-08-08

Bulgaria's Kozloduy Units 5 and 6 VVER-1000 Continue Stable Power Generation

Bulgaria's Ministry of Energy confirmed on August 4 that Units 5 and 6 (both VVER-1000) at the Kozloduy Nuclear Power Plant remain stably connected to the grid despite record-low Danube River water levels and an ongoing heatwave. Professional assessments indicate that even if the river level continues to decline at the current rate, no power reduction will be required for the next three weeks. Bulgarian authorities have confirmed that they maintain continuous contact with relevant institutions in Serbia and Romania to coordinate and monitor the situation on the Danube waterway. The stable operation of the Kozloduy Nuclear Power Plant comes at a time when neighboring operators along the Danube have been forced to reduce output or cease operations. Due to the sharp drop in water levels and rising river water temperatures, Hungary has had to significantly reduce power output and shut down the Paks Nuclear Power Plant, which supplies more than 40% of the country's electricity.

2026-08-06

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...

2026-08-04

Bulgaria Approves Decommissioning Licenses for Units 3 and 4 of Kozloduy Nuclear Power Plant

On August 1, the Bulgarian Nuclear Regulatory Agency (NRA) issued a 10-year license to the State Enterprise for Radioactive Waste Management (SERAW), authorizing it to carry out the decommissioning of Units 3 and 4 of the Kozloduy Nuclear Power Plant. The license was presented to SERAW Deputy Executive Director Elizabeth Mladenova by NRA Chairman Tsanko Bachiski. The license is held by SERAW's specialized department responsible for the decommissioning of Units 1 to 4 of the Kozloduy Nuclear Power Plant. SERAW Management Board Chairman Sergey Tsochev attended the license award ceremony. According to the license requirements, the decommissioning of Units 3 and 4 must comply with Bulgaria's Law on the Safe Use of Nuclear Energy and relevant implementing regulations.

2026-08-03

Two Units of Kozloduy NPP Operating at Full Capacity as Scheduled

On July 30, Kozloduy NPP stated that its two units are currently operating at full capacity in accordance with the power generation plan. Affected by the persistently low water level of the Danube River, the plant established a special working group in early July and activated relevant response measures to ensure the safe and reliable operation of the units under conditions of prolonged river water level decline. Kozloduy NPP is maintaining close communication with the Executive Agency for Exploration and Maintenance of the Danube River to continuously track water level trends. Monitoring data from recent days show that the Danube River water level has dropped to its lowest in recent decades...

2026-07-31

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...

2026-07-23

Bulgarian experts state that restarting the Belene nuclear power plant is technically feasible

Bogomil Manchev, a Bulgarian energy expert, recently stated that the Belene Nuclear Power Plant (NPP) project—which has been shelved for years—remains technically viable for restart. If Bulgaria and Ukraine collaborate on financing and establish a joint o

2026-07-23