[CLSTR]
< Back to situation

[REVISION HISTORY]

Bulgaria Kozloduy nuclear plant status

Updated 1 time since CLSTR started tracking revisions of this situation.

What changed

2026-08-05 11:54 UTC → 2026-08-16 18:25 UTC · added removed

The first Kozloduy nuclear unit was connected to Bulgaria’s grid on 24 July 1974, marking the country’s entry into nuclear power generation. Over the following decades the plant expanded to six reactors, reaching a peak capacity of 3 760 MW, before four of the original VVER‑440 VVER-440 blocks were de‑commissioned decommissioned between 2004 and 2006, leaving two VVER‑1000 VVER-1000 units in operation. By mid‑2026, analysts warned that a drop August 2026, unprecedentedly low water levels in the Danube’s water level could force Danube River prompted the Kozloduy Nuclear Power Plant to implement emergency preventive measures. While the plant continues to operate according to its production schedule, a shutdown specialized working group has been formed to monitor and optimize cooling systems, shore pumping stations, and spent fuel storage facilities. The Bulgarian Ministry of one reactor block within weeks, raising concerns about Energy is coordinating inter-agency efforts to ensure sufficient water availability. This situation is part of a broader regional energy challenge caused by drought. In Romania, the plant’s reliability. Cernavoda Nuclear Power Plant has reportedly ceased operations, while Hungary’s Paks Nuclear Power Plant has significantly limited production, leading the Hungarian government to consider constructing a temporary dam to raise water levels. Energy experts highlighted suggest that Bulgaria’s grid could remain supplied even if Kozloduy were to cease operations, noting that current electricity supply, at roughly 7 000 MW, already generation of approximately 7,000 MW far exceeds its demand the consumption of about 3 800 3,800 MW. They argued Specialists highlighted that a mix combination of photovoltaic generation, large‑scale centers, large-scale battery storage (over 15 000 MWh capacity), and existing coal‑fired storage—capable of delivering up to 5,000 MW for several hours—and coal-fired stations such as like Bobov Dol and Maritsa East 2 could offset any loss of nuclear output, ensuring grid stability amid regional power pressures. are crucial for maintaining national energy security.

Versions

  1. 2026-08-16 18:25 UTC Bulgaria Kozloduy nuclear plant status
  2. 2026-08-05 11:54 UTC Bulgaria Kozloduy nuclear plant status

Only revisions since CLSTR began indexing content versions appear here. Select a version to see what changed compared to the one before it.