Kozloduy Nuclear Plant Generates First Power in Bulgaria, 24 July 1974

On 24 July 1974 at 22:01 the first unit of the Kozloduy Nuclear Power Plant was synchronized with Bulgaria's national grid, delivering the country's inaugural nuclear electricity. The event marked the start of nuclear energy production in Bulgaria and the Balkans.

The initial reactor was a Soviet‑designed VVER‑440 water‑water model with a capacity of 440 MW. It was officially opened on 4 September 1974 by state leader Todor Zhivkov. Over the following decades Kozloduy expanded to six blocks, reaching a maximum installed capacity of 3 760 MW. Four of the original blocks were shut down and entered de‑commissioning between 2004 and 2006, leaving two VVER‑1000 units in operation. Kozloduy is a member of the World Nuclear Association and has long been a key electricity exporter in the region.