This photograph, taken on 27 July 2023, shows a general view of Bulgaria’s nuclear power plant (NPP) near the town of Kozloduy. Credit: NIKOLAY DOYCHINOV/AFP via Getty Images.

Five companies have submitted applications detailing their interest in building two units at the Kozloduy nuclear power plant in Bulgaria.

Following the deadline for applications on Friday 2 February, the Kozlodoy plant said the applications will now be reviewed. The new units are to be Westinghouse AP1000 reactors.

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The applicants will be assessed on qualifying criteria such as previous construction experience, and expected “to have solid experience in the nuclear and turbine island of at least two units or have supplied and installed equipment for two units within the last 15 years – applicants must also demonstrate at least USD6 billion in turnover and profit for the five years period from 2018 to 2022”.

Russian Federation candidates have been excluded.

During negotiations with the EU in 2007, Bulgaria agreed to close Kozloduy units 1–4, which were Soviet era VVER-440 models, after the European Commission classified them as non-upgradeable. Units 5 and 6 have VVER-1000 reactors that were connected to the grid in 1987 and 1991, respectively. Both units will operate for a further 30–60 years, having undergone refurbishment and life extension programmes.

The country’s Council of Ministers gave approval to move ahead with Westinghouse’s AP1000 units at Kozloduy in October. The target for the completion of the first units is 2033, and the second unit will follow “two or three years after the first one”. The 2.3GW capacity of the two new units will exceed the 1.7GW capacity of the closed four units. By 2050, further units will be needed to replace 5 and 6.

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The expression of interest document said Westinghouse will hold overall design authority for the AP1000 plant, adding: “The responsibilities for the design of individual AP1000 plant systems and buildings shall be delegated by Westinghouse. The responsibility for the design of Modules, Constructions Assemblies and Platforms is aligned with the party that is responsible for the design of the building in which the item is located.”