Westinghouse Electric Company, Hyundai Engineering & Construction Co., and Bulgaria’s Kozloduy NPP – New Build EAD have signed an Engineering Services Contract for the development of two AP1000® reactors at the Kozloduy site. The signing ceremony in Sofia was attended by Bulgarian Prime Minister Dimitar Glavchev, Minister of Energy Vladimir Malinov, U.S. Ambassador to Bulgaria Kenneth Merten, Executive Director of Kozloduy NPP – New Build Petyo Ivanov, Senior Vice President of Westinghouse Energy Systems Elias Gedeon, and Hyundai Engineering & Construction President and CEO Yoon Young-Joon.
The contract encompasses site planning for the two advanced AP1000® units, support for licensing and permitting, and detailed project planning and operations & maintenance development. The 12-month contract work will commence immediately, marking a significant step in Bulgaria’s energy diversification and stability efforts.
Prime Minister Dimitar Glavchev highlighted Bulgaria’s extensive experience in nuclear facility construction: “Today’s milestone builds on decades of expertise, ensuring energy independence and stability not only for Bulgaria but for Europe. We are confident in the partnership with Westinghouse and Hyundai Engineering & Construction, and the government will fully support this critical project.”
Energy Minister Vladimir Malinov emphasized the strategic focus on nuclear energy: “Developing our nuclear capabilities is a top priority. This partnership will guarantee clean, affordable energy for Bulgarians and significantly strengthen our energy infrastructure. We look forward to a successful outcome within the next decade.”
U.S. Ambassador Kenneth Merten expressed strong U.S. support for Bulgaria’s energy initiatives: “This project will enhance energy security and position Bulgaria as a key energy hub in the region. With state-of-the-art American technology ensuring unmatched safety, Bulgaria is poised for a sustainable energy future.”
Dan Lipman, President of Westinghouse Energy Systems, praised the collaboration: “Our long-term relationship with Bulgaria is growing through this project. The AP1000 units will provide clean, stable power, create high-quality jobs, and contribute to Bulgaria’s economic and energy independence.”
Bulgaria’s first AP1000 reactor is projected to be operational by 2035. Westinghouse has already partnered with 22 Bulgarian suppliers to support the project, which will also offer local companies the opportunity to engage with more than 30 AP1000 units planned worldwide.
The AP1000 is the only operational Generation III+ reactor featuring passive safety systems, a modular construction design, and a compact footprint per MWe. Four AP1000 reactors in China are currently setting performance records, with additional units under construction. Two AP1000 reactors are operational in Georgia, USA, and the technology is being adopted for projects in Poland, Ukraine, and other regions across Europe, India, and North America. By the end of the decade, 18 AP1000-based units are expected to be in operation globally.
