Bulgaria has over 50 years of proven experience in operating nuclear facilities in compliance with the highest safety standards. For the development of the sector as strategic for our economy, it is necessary to provide training opportunities for more Bulgarian specialists and experts, as well as firm safety guarantees. This is what President Rumen Radev said at a meeting today with David Wright, Commissioner of the US Nuclear Regulatory Commission, who is visiting Bulgaria. US Ambassador to Bulgaria Kenneth Merten also participated in the meeting.
The development of nuclear energy provides autonomy and security, and against the backdrop of growing global energy consumption and demand, it is emerging as an affordable and reliable source contributing to achieving carbon neutrality, the President said. During the talks, the two discussed aspects of the cooperation between Bulgaria and the US in the field of nuclear energy, including the construction of units 7 and 8 of the Kozloduy Nuclear Power Plant and the implementation of the AP-1000 technology. The opportunities for training Bulgarian specialists in the management and maintenance of the facilities were also among the topics of the discussion. Issues related to the licensing of the reactors as well as the time and financial framework of the project were also discussed.
David Wright stated the readiness of the US Nuclear Regulatory Commission to share its experience and expertise to support Bulgaria's role in ensuring energy security and stability not only of our country but also in the region.