Bulgaria approves Russian imports for Kozloduy and Belene nuclear plants

The Bulgarian government has granted a derogation from sanctions related to Russia's actions in Ukraine, allowing the import of parts and services from Russia for the Kozloduy and Belene nuclear power plants.

For the Kozloduy Nuclear Power Plant, the exemption allows for the import of iron and steel products necessary to fulfill an existing contract. The government noted that much of the plant's systems and equipment are of Russian origin, and certain supply contracts for the safe operation of units 5 and 6 must involve Russian contractors to ensure technical and nuclear safety.

Regarding the Belene Nuclear Power Plant, the National Electric Company (NEK) is permitted to award a public procurement contract to the Bulgarian branch of Atomstroyexport. This contract will cover technical supervision for the pre-conservation of equipment for units 1 and 2. The derogation is deemed necessary because manufacturers such as AEM-Technologies, Izhorskiye Zavody, and ZIO-Podolsk have granted Atomstroyexport exclusive rights to provide technical supervision for these activities, which requires the involvement of specialists from the original manufacturers.