Hyundai, Westinghouse sign engineering contract for new nuclear power units in Bulgaria

Hyundai Engineering and Construction Co., Westinghouse Electric Co., and Bulgaria’s Kozloduy NPP – New Builds signed an engineering services contract for two AP1000 reactors in Kozloduy in Bulgaria.

Bulgaria’s first AP1000 nuclear reactor is anticipated to achieve commercial operation in 2035, Westinghouse said. The company added it has already signed memoranda of understanding with 22 Bulgarian suppliers.

The signing of the new contract is a key stage in the project for the construction of a new nuclear power plant (NPP) in Bulgaria, the Ministry of Energy said.

The joint work of the two global companies – Westinghouse and Hyundai Engineering and Construction – will guarantee the implementation of the project within the previously set deadlines and budget, according to the ministry.

The project company earlier shortlisted Hyundai Engineering and Construction as a potential contractor

Early this year, project company Kozloduy NPP – New Builds PLC published an invitation for expressions of interest, based on the parliament’s decision from December to install units 7 and 8 at the site of the existing 2,000 MW Kozloduy nuclear power plant, opting for АР1000 technology.

In February, Kozloduy NPP – New Builds PLC shortlisted Hyundai Engineering and Construction as a potential contractor to build the nuclear reactors.

Back in June 2023, United States-based Westinghouse Electric signed a contract on front-end engineering and design (FEED) for the new units.

The signing ceremony in Sofia was attended by Bulgarian Prime Minister Dimitar Glavchev, Bulgarian Minister of Energy Vladimir Malinov, US Ambassador to Bulgaria Kenneth Merten, Executive Director of Kozloduy NPP – New Build Petyo Ivanov, Senior Vice President of Westinghouse Energy Systems Elias Gedeon, and Hyundai Engineering and Construction President and CEO Yoon Young-Joon. 

The AP1000 technology has been selected for nuclear energy programs in Poland, Ukraine, and Bulgaria

According to Westinghouse, the contract scope includes site planning for two Westinghouse AP1000 units, the most advanced generation III+ nuclear reactors available today.

In addition, the contract provides support for Kozloduy NPP – New Builds PLC to begin licensing and permitting while providing critical project planning and operations and maintenance development.

The work outlined in the 12-month contract will begin immediately, the company added.

The AP1000 technology has been selected for nuclear energy programs in Poland, Ukraine, and Bulgaria. It is also under consideration at multiple other sites in Central and Eastern Europe, the United Kingdom, India, and North America, the update reads.

Safe and reliable energy for the entire SEE region

Prime Minister Dimitar Glavchev said Bulgaria has over 50 years of experience in the safe and secure operation of nuclear facilities.

The construction of a new nuclear power plant in the country is key to the supply of safe and reliable energy for Bulgarian consumers and the entire Southeast Europe, he claimed.

Malinov: In less than 10 years we will have a working project

According to Bulgarian Minister of Energy Vladimir Malinov, the main priority of the government is the development of nuclear energy in line with international standards for safety and environmental protection.

“I believe that in less than 10 years we will have a working project that will be a guarantee for the Bulgarian population and country, that we will have clean energy at an affordable price,” he stressed.

President of Westinghouse Energy Systems Dan Lipman said two advanced AP1000 units would bolster the country’s energy security. “This project will not only deliver clean, safe, and stable power to Bulgaria, it will also create high-quality jobs and real economic benefits for years to come and foster Bulgaria’s energy independence,” he added.