PM Borissov: If we don't find a buyer for the generator, we will build 7th unit at Kozlduy NPP

"Bulgaria will suspend the Belene NPP project and begin a procedure for the ready first generator for the power plant to be installed at the Kozloduy NPP, the Bulgarian Government decided at its meeting today," PM Boyko Borissov said after his meeting with the members of the Economic Committee in Parliament. "The Government will first try to sell the reactor and if we don't find a buyer, we will proceed with its sinallation at the Kozloduy NPP," specified Borissov. Before announcing the Cabinet's plans, the Prime Minister briefed President Rosen Plevneliev about the decision.

"We gave a mandate to Minister of Economy, Energy and Toursim, Delian Dobrev, to inform the Russian side about our decision for the Belene NPP, PM Borissov said some hours before Dobrev flew for negotiations in Moscow. As a reason for Bulgaria to put an end to the over 30-year-long saga of the Belene NPP, PM Borissov pointed to the great increase of the project's cost and its proximity to the seismic zone near Vrancea. "At a price of €6 bn and the credit resource offered to Bulgaria at an interest rate of between 10%-12%, it will amount to some €10 bn or BGN 20 bn for the six years of construction. We cannot pay this money and also make future generations to pay it, PM Borissov justified the Cabinet's decision.

 The existing eletcricity distribution network at Kozloduy NPP was the second argument for building the new nuclear capacity there. "At least BGN 1 bn will be needed additionally for an electricity distribution network at Belene ," added Borisov. According to him, the closed units I, II, III and IV will be decommissioned and replaced in time by the projected second generator for Belene, which will be Unit VIII at the Kozloduy NPP.

 "On Friday, Minister Delian Dobrev will hold talks with his colleagues in Moscow in order to find a friendly way to get out of the project, rather than taking the matter to court," PM Borissov suggested a compromise. He reminded that two lawsuits regarding the Belene NPP project are currently going on - we Bulgaria is suing the Russian side in Geneva and and the Russian side is suing Bulgaria in Paris. "These are huge expenses," the Prime Minister complained.

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