The Future of the Bulgarian Nuclear Energy Sector

In his introductory statement, our guest speaker, Mr. M. Kovachev, Bulgarian Minister of Energy and Energy Resources, presented the important improvements in the status and capability of the National Nuclear Safety Authority. 

He also argued that the Energy programme of the Bulgarian Government is succeeding in continuously enhancing the safety of the Kozloduy Nuclear Power Plant units.

A number of questions raised a lively discussion, in particular:

• Does the Bulgarian legal framework for nuclear operation match international requirement ? 
• What safety improvements have been done following the recommendations of IAEA (International Atomic Energy Agency) and WENRA (Western European Nuclear Regulators’ Association)? 
• Given the positive conclusions of IAEA mission, should the technical bases of the existing closure decisions not be reexamined, particularly for units 3 and4