Nuclear energy will be a top priority for Bulgaria, not only for the current one, but also for all future governments. This was stated by the Acting Minister of Energy Vladimir Malinov before the start of the "Bulatom" international conference, which is being held in the "Riviera" complex near Varna, reports BTA.
"The diversification of the nuclear fuel for the 5th unit of the Kozloduy NPP is already a fact and all 43 cartridges have been loaded," added Malinov.
He specified that it is expected that next week its planned annual repair will be completed and the reactor will be put into the electricity system.
Efforts are also being made on the project for the 7th and 8th blocks of the plant, added the minister. He specified that there is already a firm commitment from a bank that will provide the financing, as well as from the two companies that will implement the project. The government closely follows the road map approved by the National Assembly, Malinov stressed and added that the project for the two blocks is important not only for Bulgaria and the region, but also for the whole of Europe.
"I have always insisted on the strong participation of Bulgarian companies and experts in the implementation of the project, so that 30-40 percent of the costs that will be incurred for the implementation of the 7th and 8th blocks remain with us," he added the minister.
The situation in the Mariska basin
Regarding the situation in the Mariska basin, he commented that a meeting with the management of the trade union organizations, as well as with the management of the companies, is coming. In his words, he will announce the planned measures to achieve predictability and sustainability of this business, which is key to the country's energy security.
There is a decision of the National Assembly on the development of mining, Malinov recalled. And he specified that a commitment was made to provide 1 billion BGN within 4 years for the reclamation process and the sustainable operation of the mines. This will undoubtedly affect the work of the operators of the plants, the minister also pointed out. He emphasized that one of the main goals is to preserve people and their expertise, including in the period of the energy transition, since qualified personnel with education and knowledge are capital.
Regarding the price of electricity, Malinov pointed out that the energy regulator has already announced what is foreseen as an increase.
"With what we have done as a government, to cover the deficit accumulated in the "Security" fund of the electricity system, plus ensuring the operation of the power plant in the Mariska basin, the increase is even significantly below the annual inflation for the country for the previous 12 months," said Milanov .