Bulgaria's economy and energy minister Petar Dimitrov appointed Friday new management team for the thermal power plant Maritza Iztok II. Georgi Hristozov took the office of a chief executive director, replacing Todor Mihailov. The head of the company's Board of Directors will be Atanas Saikov, who is currently director of the crisis management department of the Economy and Energy Ministry. Minister Petar Dimov has recently said that Maritza Iztok II is one of the key thermal power plants to compensate for shutting down two Soviet-made 440 MW units in Bulgaria's Kozloduy nuclear power plant last January, before joining the EU. Dimov has also announced that the plant will work at full capacity in January-March 2008, even if that means paying high fees for greenhouse emissions.
Source: Darik Radio (02.01.2008)

The fifth and sixth units of NPP Kozloduy operates at 100 per cent capacity according to the schedule of the Central Control Management at the Energy System Operator – Sofia, announced the NPP. They said that up to 31 December 2007 the NPP Kozloduy has produced 14,643,081,100 kWh of electricity. The planned output of 13,774,520,000 kWh was accomplished on 14 December. Until the end of the year the surplus to the control schedule plan reached 6.31 per cent.
Source: Agency Focus (03.01.2008)

A heated up million-euro scandal from Russia is raging in Bulgaria in the coldest days of January. And whilst the snow is falling peacefully all over the country the tension about the construction of Bulgaria's second nuclear power plant is gradually building up, just before the visit of Russian President Vladimir Putin to Bulgaria on January 18, when the contract between our National Electric Company (NEC) and AtomStroyExport concerning the construction of NPP Belene, is expected to be signed. However, over the past few days the Russian company has been breaking the nerves of their Bulgarian partners with some new and unexpected conditions. Just a few days before the visit of their President to Bulgaria the Russian constructors are trying to strike a bargain for hundreds of millions of euro using the old equipment on the site of NPP Belene. The shady deal will equally harm the interests of Bulgaria and Russia and only the Russian company AtomStroyExport will benefit from it. The haggle is about four PGV-1000M steam generators. According to the bid of the Russian company, with which they won the tender for the construction of our second nuclear power plant, AtomStroyExport is to buy out the old nuclear power facilities. The power generators were supplied from Russia in 1992 and then they cost 160 million US dollars. However, in the current agreement it is provided that NEC will receive only 38 million euro for the facilities. Participants in the negotiations told our reporter that AtomStroyExport had been literary twisting the hands of the Bulgarian party. Reportedly, the Russian company does not want to buy the facilities by piece, but only the whole lot. Thus, the message of AtomStroyExport to our National Electric Company, which holds a 51-percent stake in the project, is this: "You must either sell us all of the facilities, or keep them all!" sources from the Ministry of Economy and Energy told The Standart. "In the meantime, Kozloduy NPP expressed its intention to buy the four steam generators in order to re-equip one of its nuclear power units with them," explained Alexander Nikolov, director of Kozloduy's "Production" department. According to him, at the start of the negotiations with the Russians, the NEC sent them a letter, asking them whether they were interested in the PGV-1000M steam generators. "It would be not enough to say that we have interest: after ten years it will be a must for us to buy them, because we will have to replace the now operating generators in unit 5. The Belene PGV-1000M generators have 30 years long exploitation period. Currently, Kozloduy NPP works with this type of generators, too" Nikolov explained. In his opinion, with a NEC decision the state could have given the steam generators to Kozloduy NPP both for free or for a much lower price than their present delivery cost. AtomStroyExport has imperial mode of behaviour, experts comment. According to them, with its claims the company damages the interests of both Bulgaria and Russia, because the Belene PGV-1000M generators will be sold to Kalininskaya NPP at a much higher cost than their real purchase prize. Apart from the expenditures on decommissioning and transport to Russia, the cost will be increased by the profit for AtomStroyExport. The shady deal could become even shadier, if it turns out that the steam generators won't even leave Bulgaria and that AtomStroyExport will simply take them from Belene and sell them to Kozloduy, experts say. "This is completely untrue. Such a thing could never happen," the Russians disagreed. The company's management, however, refuse to give more details regarding the buying out of the equipment, because they are bracing themselves for the Russian Christmas. Because of the scandal, the Bulgarian Ministry of Economy and Energy insists that Kozloduy NPP demands an offer for four new steam generators by Russia's only one producer, the Machine Building Plant ZiO-Podolsk JSC. Thus NEC will be able to compare the prices of the new equipment with the offer of the Russians for Belene's. Even an annex to the contract for buying out the old equipment from Belene NPP may be signed, so that the already negotiated price can increase. Last year the Russian company Atom Export Stroy was chosen as the contractor to build the plant. The scales dipped in their advantage not only due to the more favourable prices of the project implementation, of the mounting of new-generation reactors and of the electricity to be produced they offered, but also for their readiness to buy out all the old technological equipment available at the grounds and sell it to the Kalininskaya NPP. And it is exactly this old technological equipment what today turns into the apple of discord for Belene NPP. Several weeks ago, when Bulgaria anticipated Brussels to give a green light to the introduction of the Russian technology, AtomStroyExport were far more inclined to compromises in the negotiations. However, as soon as the EC approved the project for Belene NPP and practically allowed the Russians to set foot on EU territory, AtomStroyExport immediately consolidated their positions. But the company should bear in mind one thing: that Brussels are keeping a close eye on every move they make, because Belene NPP is their interview for nuclear entry visa to the rest of the EU member states.
Source: Standart (03.01.2008)

Bulgaria's sole nuclear power plant at Kozloduy on the Danube said on Wednesday it overshot the projected electricity output target for 2007 by 6,31%. Two weeks before the end of the year, the nuclear power plant had said it has already produced 13,78 million MWh of electricity, meeting the target set in its annual plan. Kozloduy's final power output was 14,64 million MWh, with the two reactors working at 83,6% of their capacity throughout the year.
Source: Darik Radio (03.01.2008)

Economists against energy holding Economists stood against a merge of the state companies into an energy holding. This would trouble the competition and will affect negatively on the market, said in an analysis Petar Ganev of Market Economy Institute. The idea for an energy holding is from the time of Milko Kovachev management and is supported by ex-Minister Roumen Ovcharov and the current Minister Petar Dimitrov. The Ministry is proceding on the preparation of a holding that will unite Mines Maritsa Iztok SPJSC, Thermo-electric power plant Maritsa-iztok-2 SPJSC, Nuclear Power Plant Kozloduy SPJSC, National Electricity Company (NEK) SPJSC and Bulgargaz holding SPJSC.
Source: Standart (07.01.2008)

Bulgaria Has Lost 350 Million Levs from NPP Kozloduy A year after the decommissioning of power units 3 and 4 of NPP Kozloduy, calculations show the Bulgarian economy has lost 350 million levs direct revenues to the Fisc (the two power units could have generated 6.7 billion kilowatt-hours of electricity in a year's time). "On the other hand, the losses from the premature decommissioning of the power facilities (they could have operated safely for at least six more years) amount to about two billion levs," said Ivan Genov, Director of NPP Kozloduy. By December 31, 2006, when they were decommissioned, the reactors had worked for 25 or 26 years. Their recommended decommissioning, however, hit on the pocket the Bulgarian households and companies alike, because of the hike in the final price of electric supply for domestic and industrial purposes. While power units three and four were operating, the National Electric Company could compensate the losses on the home market with the profits from the export of power, whereas now the losses are compensated with a higher final price of the electricity generated by NPP Kozloduy. In 2006, Bulgaria exported nine billion kilowatt-hours of electricity, whereas this year it will be less than 1.5 billion. Without power units 3 and 4, the capacity of NPP Kozloduy decreased by five billion kilowatt-hours; last year it generated 14.6 billion kilowatt-hours of electricity, experts said A year after the facilities' shutdown, our experts and their international colleagues share an opinion that the decommissioning of the power-units was politically, but not technically justified.
Source: Standart (08.01.2008)

The Balkans Can't Do without NPP Kozloduy Georgiev Executive Secretary of the Bulgarian Atomic Forum - Mr. Georgiev, a year after the decommissioning of power units 3 and 4 of NPP Kozloduy, the question about their reopening is quite topical. What are the arguments in support of such an option? - The energy stability of the whole region is put at risk. Albania, Croatia, Macedonia, Serbia and Montenegro are seriously threatened by power shortage. Currently, they buy electricity at prices that are several times higher than that they used to negotiate with NPP Kozloduy. However, the bigger problem that the region faces is that there isn't an alternative provider of electricity. Everybody speaks of power lines with higher traffic capacity that will allow the import of electricity from Western Europe, but no such facilities have been built so far. Yet, the households and the factories need electricity today, not tomorrow. - Will we manage to convince the EU, quoting article 36 of the Accession Treaty, that the reopening of the reactors is necessary in case of an energy crisis in the region? - This is our only chance. By quoting this article we can save not only Bulgaria but also the whole region from an energy crisis. - Do we have ostensible reasons to quote this article? - Well, it is obvious that the region's energy problems started as early as last year. Then, a meeting of the energy ministers of Albania, Macedonia and Serbia was organised. The ministers clearly stated that they had energy problems and they needed the electricity, which had been supplied to their countries by these two reactors. - Since then, the situation has gone from bad to worse, because the consumption of electricity in Bulgaria has increased and we can no longer export as much power as we used to export. Some people say that Bulgaria still exports electricity in the moment, but what we actually export is the so-called emergency power supply. When a peak of electricity consumption is reached in some of the neighboring countries, they ask us to supply extra power to them. And this is the only case in which we export electricity. In fact, the electricity generated by reactors 3 and 4 was meant mainly for export. And now this electricity is no longer generated. - What arguments will you use before the European Commission for re-opening of the units? - Only a month a half ago Bulgaria received signals from the EC that the emissions of waste gases in the atmosphere should be reduced by over 30%. This is the first and main argument our politicians should use in negotiating the re-opening of the third and fourth units of Kozloduy nuclear power plant. - Without them functioning, can Bulgaria really reduce the emission of waste gases? - Everything is possible but the price will be unbearably high. Perhaps half the thermal power plants in Bulgaria will have to be closed because they will need huge investments for modernization. This will mean closing of industrial capacities. In other words the EC continues exerting economic pressure on Bulgaria pushing it downwards. - This means an absolute electricity deficit, if we decommission one more unit. - That is right. That is why this reason is the first in the list. We can also add the actual climatic conditions that require the greater consumption of electricity. - What would have happened to Greece if instead of the end of December Bulgaria had decommissioned the third and fourth units in the summer? - There would have been no Olympic Games or they would have been candle-lit. Because it were namely the third and fourth units of Kozloduy that provided the electricity for illuminating Greece at that time. - But in the long run, Greece that lived on these units was among the most ardent supporters of the units' decommissioning. - These are crafty scheming. We are launching a campaign, the banner of which is a very interesting film by Toma Tomov that may stir the public's interest in the matter. The film is intended for the Bulgarian and foreign public - sounded in Bulgarian and in English. We will first present it to the MEPs in Brussels. It will be broadcasted by Bulgarian and foreign media. I hope we will rouse a campaign similar to You Are Not Alone that rescued the Bulgarian nurses from Libya. Hopefully all these will lead to reconsidering the issue by the EC. We managed to stand our ground in the EU for the spelling of euro, we brought home the nurses, why not succeed in re-opening the two units? - Is the closure of units 3 and 4 the price which Bulgaria pays for its EU membership? - That's right. The decision for decommissioning of units 3 and 4 is a political act. The first step for the closure of these nuclear reactors was made 10-12 years before the act itself. At that time they could really be criticized from a technical point of view. The problem is that none of the Bulgarian politicians hasn't demonstrated the will for reconsidering this question after a certain period of time, i.e 12 years, in which more than 500 million euro were spent on the units' modernization which made them look in a completely different way. This was the price for Bulgaria's EU entry. - Is Kozloduy NPP ready for a new peer review? - Yes, it is, and not simply for a peer review, it is ready for International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) inspection. - Is Kozloduy NPP prepared to re-open the units, in case of assent of behalf of Brussels? - Yes. Units 3 and 4 are in perfect technical condition, they will need only a certain period of time for bringing them in good exploitation state. But as a whole, there is hardly any hindrance for their re-opening. - Could Bulgaria reach an agreement with Brussels on a new annex to the contract allowing the exploitation of units 3 and 4 until Belene NPP is constructed or until the nuclear reactors' term of exploitation expires? - Both options are possible, but there should be grounds for such developments. And above all, a strong figure should defend the idea and convince Brussels that it is good enough to be realized.
Source: Standart (09.01.2008)

Bulgarians Pay through the Nose for Closed Nuke Units Each Bulgarians has paid additional 500 levs after the decommissioning of units 3 and 4 of NPP Kozloduy. This is the average sum that we all paid in 2007 for the pre-term closure of the two units. The 440-MW reactors stopped generating power on December 31, 2006 at the insistence of the EU despite the proven safety of units 3 and 4. Experts calculate that Bulgaria has produced 6.5 billion kilowatt-hours of power less only in the first year of the units' decommissioning. Calculated at the current price of power, this exceeds 350 million levs, which is comparatively the amount, which the Bulgarian state allots for pensions every month. It turns out that each of the 7 million Bulgarians has paid extra an average of 500 levs for the higher electricity prices and taxes. The damages will become even bigger if the power generated in units 3 and 4, which was the cheapest in Bulgaria, is calculated at the average marker prices in the region. According to the data of Bulatom, the contracts for power supplies in the region are worth 47-48 euro per MW/h, which makes about 600 million levs in lost profits from the closed units. At the same time, the future deals for 2008 are contracted at levels of 55-60 euro per MW/h, Bulatom points out. Thus, the losses for Bulgaria will amount to 730 million levs, experts calculate. Bulgaria's export of power has been reduced to nil in practice. Thus, the power hunger on the Balkans is increasing, which inflates the prices, experts explain further. All this leads to billions-worth losses in missed sales for Bulgaria.
Source: Standart (10.01.2008)

Bulgaria to Remain without Electricity Bulgaria is close to remaining without electricity; the country is threatened by electricity supply restrictions. The electric power plants are working up to their full capacity and any damage in their systems could leave this country without power supply. Because of the freezing colds in the beginning of this year, the Bulgarians consume more electricity than they did on the New Year's Eve; for example, this Sunday the record breaking 7050 MW were reached. The consumption increased by 20% in comparison to the corresponding period of 2006. Since Monday, the export of electricity has been banned to prevent cut-offs in the electricity supply during the visit of Russia's President Vladimir Putin. The order of Bulgaria's Minister of Economy and Energy Petar Dimitrov will be in force till the end of the week, but under certain circumstances it could be prolonged till March 31. The lack of electricity export could lead to electricity crisis on the Balkans. The crisis is due to the closure of reactors 3 and 4 of Kozloduy NPP, the two safe units, whose decommissioning was a severe blow on the electricity supply of Bulgaria and the whole Balkan region.
Source: Standart (16.01.2008)

There should be a report on the financial losses which the country suffered after the closure of 3rd and 4th reactor of Nuclear Power Plant Kozloduy, Bulgarian Prime Minister Sergey Stanishev said during a jointly press conference together with Minister of Economy and Energy Petar Dimitrov, FOCUS News Agency informs. Both of them discussed today the execution of the plan for extension of the period for work of 3rd and 4th reactor of NPP Kozloduy. There was an opportunity for the reactors to be opened again and this was in case of energy crisis situation. Negotiations were carried out with international companies which wanted to take the reactors on lease, Mr Stanishev said. He pointed out that the construction of Belene NPP would guarantee export of electric energy in the region. The money compensation of Bulgaria should be increased according to the Minister of Economy since the state suffered significant financial losses after the closure of the reactors.
Source: Agency Focus (17.01.2008)

Closure of Kozloduy NPP Shook the Balkans Thanks to its electricity export Bulgaria was a guarantor of the region's security, its was its engine. We used to provide the electric power for Montenegro, Serbia, Croatia, Macedonia and Greece, despite the fact that they don't acknowledge it. This was possible, because we had the necessary equipment and capacities: units 3 and 4 of Kozloduy NPP. Today they don't exist and the crisis knocks at the door: all these countries have problems. But the real problem, which threatens the stability on the Balkans, is that each of the countries is searching a solution all by itself. This situation will continue for another 4 or 5 years, when the deficit in the region will reach 50%. Each country will rely on new capacities, each of them will announce its forthcoming construction. But the point is that they won't exist. The demand for of electricity will continue to grow, which means that the only immediate outcome of the crisis is the re-opening of reactors 3 and 4 of Kozloduy NPP. Of course, it will take several days, but this is only a minute in comparison with the time that the construction of new nuclear power plants will take.
Source: Standart (17.01.2008)

Bulgarian PM Sergey Stanishev announced that government will take a political course towards a restart of Units 3 and 4 of the Kozloduy Nuclear Power Plant (NPP). Putting the reactors back in operation is to become the top priority for the government. "One of the commitments Bulgaria took before joining the European Union was decommissioning of the four of Kozloduy's reactors. It was a very serious decision, which was made by the previous cabinet and National Assembly, " Stanishev said. Bulgarian Minister of Economy and Energy Petar Dimitrov called this decision unfair. Government officials emphasized that the reactors were absolutely safe, and shutting them down was the political toll Bulgaria had to pay for its EU membership. Premier Stanishev underscored that he hoped Bulgaria would not have to come to the point where the reactors would simply have to be restarted because of an energy crisis. Should there really be a crisis, Brussels would have to send Sofia a response and give permission for reactivating the units within five days. "An energy crisis is already a fact in the other Balkan countries, but there are no grounds for power supply restrictions in Bulgaria," minister Dimitrov clarified. Immediately after Bulgaria became a member of the European family, it adopted a strategic plan for reopening of the units. "All of us see the financial losses that Bulgaria accumulates due to the closure of the reactors. These losses amount to billions," Stanishev noted. To extend the deadlines, however, Bulgaria would have to consult the rest of the 26 EU member states. A letter of request has already been sent to European Commissioner for Energy Andris Piebalgs, who will consider Bulgaria's demands.
Source: Standart (17.01.2008)

Bulgaria will hold negotiations with UK and Canadian companies to take on lease the operation of the stopped 3rd and 4th block of Nuclear Power Plant Kozloduy for their support in the EU for the second time openning of the two small 440-megawatts power reactors. The Prime-minister Sergey Stanishev told this in Wednesday at a press-conference about the energy projects, which will be signed up during the visit of the Russian President Vladimir Putin in Sofia in January 17, 18.
Source: mediapool.bg (17.01.2008)

Brussels: Forget about Units 3 and 4 "To the European Comission, Kozloduy NPP's case is long time closed. The decommissioning of the two reactors is worded in the Treaty of Accession of 2005," said Ferran Tarradellas, Spokesperson for Energy Commissioner Andris Piebalgs. Only in case of force majeure circumstances could Bulgaria base an argument on article 36 of the Treaty and request Brussels' permission to restart the reactors. And Brussels is obliged to respond within five days. Still, even if they answer in the affirmative, putting units 3 and 4 back in operation would take up at least 5-6 months," Managing Director of NPP Kozloduy Ivan Genov said. The main reason for this would be the lack of nuclear fuel. "We work with uranium alone, which is not found in Bulgaria and must be delivered from Russia. Only if some Russian NPPs has a surplus of nuclear fuel at its disposal, the restarting would be speeded up," Mr. Genov explained. "But there is yet another procedural obstacle that has to do with a change of license - a new one would have to be issued, and this could only be done by the Nuclear Regulatory Agency, Genov further clarified.
Source: Standart (18.01.2008)

"There are foreign companies showing interest in the six units of Kozloduy Nuclear Power Plant (NPP)," announced the plant's Managing director Ivan Genov just a day after both Bulgarian PM Sergey Stanishev and Energy Minister Petar Dimitrov expressed determination to save the plant's decommissioned units 3 and 4. On Wednesday it transpired that a couple of foreign companies are ready to take the two non-operational units on lease. However, yesterday, Genov admitted that the candidates are actually three. Two of them have offered to rent all the six units of Kozloduy NPP, and the third is only giving signs of interest in leasing the reactors. Soon discussions will resume on the reasons why units 3 and 4 were decommissioned, Bulgaria's obligations to the EU and the procedural barriers that the companies would have to surmount for putting the reactors back in operation. In exchange Bulgaria will receive rent money and a certain commission for the electricity sold. According to unconfirmed information, two of the companies wishing to lease the power plant from the state are Atomic Energy of Canada Limited ( AECL) and British Nuclear Fuels Limited, both of which bid at the tender for Belene NPP.
Source: Standart (18.01.2008)

Re-commission of the units 3 and 4 of Kozloduy NPP is EU member states debate: EU Commissioner I am sure that the issue about Kozloduy NPP is not brought to an end so the discussion must go on. We must have all the information. The most harmful is to close the campaign down in Bulgaria, Bulgarian EU Commissioner for Consumer Protection Meglena Kuneva told BNT in reference to the alternative for re-commission of the units 3 and 4 of Kozloduy NPP. As a member of the European Commission Meglena Kuneva stated that the EU Commission has never entered negations upon that case with Bulgaria. This is not a debate of the EU Commission; this is a debate that concerns the EU member states.
Source: Agency Focus (22.01.2008)

Kozloduy NPP is looking for a company to insure its employees and workers against work accidents. The risk coverage the insurance policy is to include includes lethal outcome a as result of a work accident, as well as permanent or temporary disability as a result of a work accident. By December 2007 the enterprise employed 2 600 employees and workers. The announcement is in accordance with the Law on public commissions when the commissioner has to settle on the contract terms with one or more applicants to have been chosen. Besides registration and licence the applicants have to submit an annual financial report, a list of main services contracts from the last 3 years as well as a list of the names of the experts taking the commission and their professional qualifications. The Agency for Public Commissions states that the main criterion will be the lowest price. The guarantee sum required is BGN 2 000 and the contract performance guarantee - BGN 4 500. The insurance premium will be paid on monthly instalments, up to 5 days after the wages of all insured employees and workers has been paid. Applications deadline set for February 20th 2008.
Source: Zastrahovatel (23.01.2008)

The government should ask the European Commission for a new peer review to decide on the future of third and fourth units of Kozloduy NPP, insisted Bulgaria's President Georgi Parvanov yesterday. He believes this is the only way to resuscitate the two units. For this purpose, though, Bulgaria should clearly define the target of the review in order to avoid repetition of the negative results of the previous ones. The Bulgarian Head of State spoke highly of the initiative that started last week working towards the re-opening of the units. Parvanov warned that holding a referendum on the NPP issue would hardly solve the problem. The reason, to him, is that the country needs expert argumentation that a referendum would not provide. "We need competent, expert argumentation because Bulgaria has signed an agreement that has to be kept," the President explained. As President and Prime Minister were buried under an avalanche of criticism about Bulgaria falling into dependency on Russia following the visit of Vladimir Putin to Bulgaria, Parvanov said that the country should commit itself to the implementation of the Nabucco project. Bulgaria's President defended the contract for the construction of Bourgas-Alexandroupolis oil pipeline. "The government would spare no means to guarantee that the project would not harm the environment," he emphasized and did not miss to admonish Bourgas local authorities for the referendum on the pipeline construction to be held February. "It is hardly proper to solve issues of national importance by a local referendum," Parvanov said.
Source: Standart (28.01.2008)

Bulgarian PM Sergey Stanishev recently announced that Bulgaria was ready to grant a concession over the decommissioned units 3 and 4 of Kozloduy Nuclear Power Plant (NPP) to a foreign operator. This weekend, the nuke's Managing Director Ivan Genov said in a statement that the interests of a possible concession were not targeted at the non-operational units alone, but at the entire power plant. In his opinion, however, a concession should be used as a last resort for rescuing the decommissioned reactors. Through the I Want Light campaign, Bulgaria will try to achieve its foremost objective, namely the reopening of units 3 and 4.
Source: Standart (29.01.2008)

A possible reopening of power units 3 and 4 of NPP Kozloduy can save the Balkans from the energy crisis, reads a declaration of the Bulgarian Chamber of the Energy Engineers in support of the reopening of the decommissioned reactors. There are no ostensible technical reasons for the premature decommissioning of power units 3 and 4 and their reopening is the only option we have to overcome the energy crisis on the Balkans, until new capacities are put in exploitation, the declaration reads further. Energy experts have calculated that US $300 million had been invested in the modernization of power units 3 and 4 of NPP Kozloduy before their shutdown. The reactors' safety and reliability has been proven through numerous inspections by the IAEA, a peer review by WANO and an inspection by the EU Nuclear Issues Group.
Source: Standart (29.01.2008)

Bulgaria Stops Exporting Electricity to Greece Bulgaria is likely to completely stop exporting electricity for Greece as early as the coming summer, because the electricity production capacities of Bulgaria will be hardly enough for the needs of the Bulgarians. We may very well forget about exporting electricity next year, explained Bulgarian leading energy experts to EU Consumer Protection Commissioner Meglena Kuneva. She talked for an hour and a half with the Bulgarian delegation, led by Bulgaria's Deputy Economy Minister Yordan Dimov, Kozloduy NPP Director Ivan Genov and Bulatom chairman Bogomil Manchev. Commissioner Kuneva reminded that Bulgaria had taken certain responsibilities by signing agreements with the EU. She was explicit that Bulgaria should prove the safety of the units. MEPS from all parties gathered in the EU Parliament yesterday for the start of the We Want Light campaign. Toma Tomov's documentary Revive Kozloduy was presented at a special discussion on the reopening of the two units. "Giving up your cheapest energy source is an absolute nonsense," says in the movie John Ritch, Director General of the World Nuclear Association. He appealed to Europe to mend its mistake.
Source: Standart (31.01.2008)

EC will not discuss the issue of the relaunching of the third and fourth blocks of Kozloduy NPP. The Commission will not send experts to examine the condition of the reactors. This became clear at the European Parliament where Bulgarian representatives were lobbying for the relaunching, informed the National radio. The director of the Atomic Energy department Mr Christian Waterlus said again that EC considers the matter closed.
Source: Zastrahovatel (01.02.2008)

Cabinet Prepares Action Plan for Re-Opening NPP Units Bulgaria's Ministry of Economy is preparing an action plan for the resuscination of third and fourth units of Kozloduy NPP. The programme will be approved by the Cabinet, Bulgaria's Deputy Minister of Economy, Yordan Dimov told MEPs in Brussels. The "We Want Light" campaign is not a whim of some energy lobbies, he said and explained that the action was a result of the electricity supply crisis in Bulgaria. If only one of the power generating facilities stops functioning for rehab, it will directly lead to electricity supply restrictions, Dimov said. He believes Bulgaria would not be able to cope in a case of emergency.
Source: Standart (01.02.2008)

Bulgarian Energy Experts Gag EU Bureaucrat Chair of the European Nuclear Energy Directorate, Christian Waeterloos now has a new nickname - Waterloo. He provoked the wrath of the Bulgarian nuclear power experts by censuring Sofia for launching the initiative in defense of the decommissioned reactors of the Kozloduy nuke and insisted they should forget about their reopening. "If the EU had safety standards for nuclear reactors you would have never been here in this EU parliament hall, because the third and fourth reactors would have long been scrapped," the EU official said sharply to members of the Bulgarian delegation that came to Brussels for the start-off of the "We Want Light" initiative. He was catcalled and stirred a very emotional verbal fire exchange. "If the EU had nuclear safety standards we for sure wouldn't have been here, because the reactors would have been operational and electricity in Bulgaria, much cheaper," retorted CEO of the Kozloduy power plant Ivan Genov. The delegation that included Genov, Bulgaria's Deputy Energy Minister Yordan Dimov, BULATOM's chair Bogomil Manchev, energy experts and media representatives was in Brussels for the presentation of Revive Kozloduy documentary by the prominent journalist Toma Tomov and to start the units re-opening campaign in the European Parliament. Right after the documentary was shown, Waeterloos sharply criticized the initiative and publicly rebuked the Bulgarians for defending their national interests. "The chance for re-opening the units is naught," the official said. We have a political, not a technical problem with the NPP safety, MEP Evgeni Kirilov countered him and pointed out that even German high officials confirmed that Kozloduy NPP issue was a purely political one. Bulgaria asks for a new peer review especially for third and fourth units of the NPP to prove that their decommissioning was needless, energy experts said.
Source: Standart (01.02.2008)

The campaign ‘I want light’ for the putting into operation of the units of Kozloduy NPP, the film of Toma Tomov, business trip and the hiring of a hall in NDK for the official presentation of the project cost about BGN 150,000, shows a Dnevnik investigation. The biggest part of it was provided by Kozloduy NPP. Risk Engineering, Enemona, N-Pro and Glavbolgarstroy are the other big sponsors. According to the head of Risk Engineering – Bogomil Manchev, the amount is about BGN 100,000. He explained that approximately 20 energy companies interested in the switching on of the units participate. In his words, Risk Engineering has granted a lot of the funds. He is an active participant in the initiative and is head of Bulatom. He stated that he participates because he represents the nuclear business of Bulgaria and has experience in the modernization of fifth and sixth units of the power plant, where he operates with Parsans. According to different sources the companies included in Bulatom would be most benefited by the new initiation of the units. The Canada-based company interested in the units concession for political lobbying was a participant in the last annual meeting of Bulatom. Another version, except for the allocation of the orders in the energy sector, is that Manchev, whose company Energy Financial Group won the biggest amounts for sale of electricity from Kozloduy NPP and Varna TPP, would have interests in the initiation of third and fourth units.
Source: Dnevnik (03.02.2008)

Nuclear Power Plant Kozloduy CEO – Ivan Genov, said that the idea of a 7th unit at the plant is current once more. According to experts the new unit may produce electricity earlier than Nuclear Power Plant Belene. Genov pointed out that the new unit would not be an alternative of Belene. There is built infrastructure on the ground of NPP Kozloduy so the construction would be cheaper and faster. Three years ago there was such an idea and CEO Genov is in the opinion that Bulgaria may apply for additional funds from EU for the NPP Kozloduy’s 7th unit construction.
Source: Novinar (04.02.2008)

A Canadian energy giant has shown a sound interest in taking the concession of Kozloduy NPP. Experts from Bulgaria's Energy Ministry and from the NPP itself are getting prepared for negotiations with Bruce Power, the Standart learnt. Not long ago Kozloduy NPP director Ivan Genov let it slip that "a company from the northern hemisphere shows great interest in Bulgarian nuclear reactors." The Standart learnt that Bruce Power experts are arriving tomorrow on a visit to the Bulgarian Energy Ministry to discuss options for renting the capacities. The Bulgarian experts will inform the Canadians about certain conditions before the latter submit their offer. "The new owner of the NPP will have to be really committed to set the domestic market supply as a priority to export," Genov said. To him, granting this concession will be the Bulgarian Government's last option for rescuing the NPP, an option that will be started when all other possibilities of We Want Light campaign are exhausted. If Bruce Power takes the concession of the nuclear reactors, Bulgaria will set the conditions that will suit best its interests. The Canadians will have to pay a yearly concession fee and some percent from the profit. Experts even consider giving the new owner a gratis period for winning the dispute with Brussels and re-open the decommissioned units. According to unofficial sources, the British state-owned nuclear giant BNFL was also interested in renting the Bulgarian NPP. One of the leading Bulgarian energy investors, Hristo Kovachki is rumoured to also be getting ready to oppose Brussels and try his hand in the race for the NPP.
Source: Standart (05.02.2008)

The candidates for the concession of Kozloduy NPP were given a refusal for a meeting with Bulgaria's Minister of Economy and Energy Petar Dimitrov. The Canadian energy giant Bruce Power showed a sound interest in taking the concession of Kozloduy NPP. According to the Standart's information sources, a meeting between company's experts and representatives of Bulgarian Energy Ministry would not take place. In case a private company takes the concession of third and forth power units of Kozloduy NPP, it would have to show a firm commitment that the power supply for home consumption will be a priority.
Source: Standart (06.02.2008)

An eventual concession of Kozloduy NPP units will make it unclear who the owner is and who holds the license, said the head of the Nuclear Regulation Agency Sergey Tzochev. This is why the idea needs a legislative analysis, which has not been made so far. ‘This idea is not new’, said Tzochev. He added that the idea for concession of the NPP units is since the beginning of the 90s, however, such analysis has not yet been made.
Source: Agency Focus (07.02.2008)

Stanishev Stops the Sale of Bulgargas Bulgargas and NPP Kozloduy will be the only state-owned energy giants, Standart learnt. PM Sergey Stanishev ordered the gas holding to be removed from the government program. One of its versions dated January 31 provides for the privatization of Bulgargas. Currently the company is on the restrictive list and is not a subject to denationalization. It is of key importance for Bulgarian economy as it provides natural gas for the country and takes part in strategic projects such as Burgas-Alexandroupolis pipeline, South Stream and Nabucco. If Bulgargas becomes a private company that will deprive the state of million-euro profits coming from transit fees and dividends.
Source: Standart (08.02.2008)

Electricity to double at free market The electricity will become twice more expensive in Bulgaria after a liberalization of the electricity market and the start of free price formation at market principle, said Lyubosh Pavlas, CEO of Cez Bulgaria SPJSC, during an Energy Forum arranged by the Bulgarian Industrial Association. The reason is the shortage of electricity after the shut down of 3-rd and 4-th units of Kozloduy NPP. Other participants in the forum are also convinces that electricity will rise 100 percent after the State Commission for Energy and Water Regulation stops interfering. In this way the electricity in Bulgaria will cost BGN 140 per MWh, like in Greece and Turkey. Currently the Kozloduy NPP electricity for the domestic market costs BGN 70 per MWh. In most neighbor countries it costs EUR 70 per MWh. The liberalization of the market is demanded by the business, as well as by electricity suppliers and heat supply companies. Today, the the State Commission for Energy and Water Regulation interferes at the electricity production and 90 percent goers for the domestic market and only 10 percent is traded at the free market.
Source: Novinar (12.02.2008)

The state-owned energy companies should go public while the government should abandon its plans to consolidate all state-owned energy assets into a holding structure, representatives of the Bulgarian power industry demanded at a public discussion Monday. The government coalition decided this past weekend to move ahead with plans to merge Bulgargaz Holding, power grid operator NEK, the Kozloduy nuclear power plant, thermal power plant Maritsa Iztok 2 and mining company Maritsa Iztok. The new structure will further complicate the problems already afflicting the management of the companies and as a solution is tailored only to the needs of power generation, said expert Lyulin Radulov. The creation of the mega-holding would stunt the development of the market and would provide opportunities for cross-subsidising, said executives from non-ferrous company KCM.
Source: Dnevnik (12.02.2008)

Bulgaria's Business Community: Put Power Engineering on the Counter Bulgaria must place its power-engineering on the counter if it wants to stabilize the state-owned enterprises in energy sector. This was the conclusion drawn yesterday at a roundtable discussion of the Bulgarian Industrial Association, under the topic The Bulgarian Electricity Market. According to representatives of the Bulgarian business community, the setting up of an energy holding would not solve the issues of the state-owned energy enterprises. It would rather deepen the crisis in the state-owned energy companies, which resulted from complicating their management hierarchy, experts said flat. "To revive the state-owned energy companies requires heavy investments," asserted Liulin Radulov, who is an energy expert. In his opinion, merging the state-owned Maritsa Iztok Mining, Bulgargaz Holding, National Electrical Company, Maritsa Iztok-2 Thermal Power Plant and Kozloduy Nuclear Power Plant into a single large holding would not settle their issues and magically change them into companies capable of withstanding fierce competition on the liberal market. "Therefore a decision has to be taken whether to denationalize them or draw in strategic foreign investors, well-known at the European energy market, who would pour money into them," Radulov pointed out. The example Radulov gave to bear out his argumentation was the privatization of the power distribution companies, which lead to their restructuring and the stabilization.
Source: Standart (12.02.2008)

The Council of Ministers decided to unite five power-supplying companies into Bulgarian Energy Holding. Mines Maritsa Iztok SPJSC, Thermo-electric power plant Maritsa-iztok-2 SPJSC, Nuclear Power Plant Kozloduy SPJSC, National Electricity Company (NEK) SPJSC and Bulgargaz holding SPJSC will became a part of the new company. The assets will be EUR 4 billion and the forecast year income – EUR 1,8 billion. It will be one of the largest power-supplying companies in the region. The state will own 100% of the capital of the Bulgarian Energy Holding.
Source: Darik Radio (14.02.2008)

Bulgaria Launches Mega Energy Holding for Christmas The new mega holding will foster the five state energy companies - Maritsa -Iztok Mines, Maritsa -Iztok 2 Thermal Plant, Kozloduy NPP, the National Electric Company and Bulgargaz. The Ministry of Energy and Economy will keep the majority share (between 51% and 75%) in the five companies and the minority shares (between 25% and 49%) will be transferred to the newly-established mother company. The restructuring will be realized in two stages. The BEH's assets will amount to four billion euro which means it will be one of the largest energy companies in the region. The company is planned to have an annual income of 1.8 billion euro. The state will hold 100% of the holding's capitals.
Source: Standart (14.02.2008)

The integration of state-owned National Electric Company (NEK), Kozloduy nuclear power plant (NPP), Bulgargaz, Maritsa Iztok-2 thermal power plant (NPP) and Maritsa Iztok Mines may result in a delay in the implementation of the project for the setting of the Belene NPP, Jan Skvaril, management consulting director at Deloitte Bulgaria, who is also in charge of the development of the project, said. One of the major challenges ahead of the energy holding is the delay of projects that are already underway, an analyses of the consultancy company shows. The reasons may be purely organisational, such as the delay in the making of a decision, Lyudmil Garkov, who is in charge of the corporate finances at Deloitte said. It is unclear as to who will take the decisions on projects such as the Bourgas-Alexandroupolis, Nabucco and Belene NPP after the setting up of the holding, according to Garkov. The state, however, has insisted that the delays of these projects be avoided. Another challenge before the energy holding is to secure investments for all these projects. This depends entirely on how transparent the management of the holding will be, according Skvaril. The fact that the structure of the five companies is very different may also obstruct their consolidation. This may lead to the ineffectiveness of the holding, according to Deloitte's analyses. The new structure will not have enough resources to expand to other countries. The inability to take decisions, the difficult allocation of responsibilities, the poor motivation of the managers of the different companies and the prolonged decision making process will be among the weaknesses of the new holding company, according to Deloitte's analysis. If the state manages to overcome all these challenges, the megaholding may be useful after all. The energy holding will be able to attract more investments, to secure the supply of energy resources and will be competitive. It also will turn Bulgaria into a regional a player on the regional energy market. One of the major tasks of the holding will be to propose changes to the regulatory framework in the energy sector. The ministry of economy and energy will remain the majority owner in the five companies at the first stage of the establishment of the holding. Equal minority shares in the five companies will be transferred to the parent company. The five companies will remain legally and financially independent but will work under the new structure. The five companies should be restructured in two years, if everything goes as planned. The second stage, which envisages the setting up of an operative holding will be launched afterwards. It will will also be decided whether the new company should be listed on international stock exchanges.
Source: Pari (21.02.2008)

The listing of Bulgarian corporations on the European exchanges, primarily the LSE and the Warsaw bourse, will be among the top priorities for the local division of Deutsche Bank, said Borislav Ivanov, the bank director for Bulgaria. Deutsche Bank Bulgaria will also look to become a key player in the field of public-private partnerships and on the mergers and acquisitions market. The 12 major clients that Deutsche Bank has here have hired to bank to either take them public or create opportunities for domestic growth through acquisitions or mergers, said Ivanov. He did not specify names nor the industries in which the bank's clients are active but added that the first listing should happen by the end of 2008, most likely on the LSE. Infrastructure projects also remain a key priority for the bank with planned advisory or financing participation in the construction of the Rila and Cherno more motorways. In respect to the Belene nuclear power station project, Ivanov said Deutsche Bank Bulgaria is currently not interested but may review its position at a later stage. In his view, a syndicated loan is no longer a suitable option for the financing of the power station. Deutsche Bank Bulgaria set up a local representation office 18 months ago. There are plans to open a fully-fledged bank office as well. The bank will continue to provide clearing services and support financially Bulgarian banks through syndicated loans and structured products. Deutsche Bank Bulgaria posted revenues of 10 mln euro in 2007 and is aiming for 15 mln euro in revenues this year
Source: Dnevnik (27.02.2008)

Handelsblatt: Bulgarian Power Industry Is in Search of Private Investors The Bulgarian government strives to modernize the power industry of Bulgaria. In the future, the capital city of Sofia, which is an important energy transportation center on the Balkans, will rely on Western "know-how" technologies and energy consumption from restorable sources. Both Western and Russian investors will take part in the construction and exploitation of new electric power plants as well as in the management of energy companies, which were owned by the state in the past. Apart from that, Bulgaria's electric supply network needs modernization if the country wants to keep its position of leading electric power exporter in the region. The country has joined Nabucco and South Stream international projects aiming at transportation of Russian gas to Western Europe.
Source: Standart (18.03.2008)

During the first quqrter of 2008 Nuclear Power Plant Kozloduy SPJSC produced 4,510,564 MWh elcetricity. This is 6.51 percent more than the 4,235,020 MWh planned for the period, informed the nuclear plant. More is also the electricity distributed to the electrical network of the country – 4,248,483 MWh at planned 3,983,392 MWh. For covering the quota for the regulated market, defined by a decision of the State Commission for Energy and Water Regulation, NPP Kozloduy secured 2,951,746 MWh until the end of the quarter.
Source: Agency Focus (07.04.2008)

Certificates of origin for buckling produced from renewable sources, will be issued for the entire year, rather than as at present - only for 3 months. This provides for repair of regulation, which the State Energy and Water Regulation is invited to consider on Tuesday. The certificates that are issued to various solar, wind, water plants and plants processing biomass, NEC to serve as proof of the origin of buckling. NEC paid for it amounts to 0.79 euro stigashti for kwh. For comparison tokat produced by the Kozloduy Nuclear Power Plant, counts only 0,012 euro, while residential users do pay 0.16 euro for kwh. In Bulgaria the share of alternative energy is still about 6-7%, but by 2010 should reach 11%.
Source: Sega (14.04.2008)

Bulgarian River Shipping Corporation JSC was chosen to be the main carrier for the shippments of fresh and processed fuel for Nuclear Power Plant Kozloduy, the company informed the stock exchange. Bulgarian River Shipping Corporation said that the company won the auction on the law of public orders because their offer corresponded to all previously announced requirements. The transportation of nuclear fuel was hot topic during the scandal with the director of Heat Supply-Sofia last summer.
Source: Insurance.bg (15.04.2008)

Bulgarian River Shipping AD-Ruse, BSE code - BRP, notified through X3 News of the following: After a competition held pursuant to the Public Procurement Act, Kozloduy NPP EAD has chosen Bulgarian River Shipping AD to be the main carrier on the Danube River of fresh and processed fuel deliveries for the plant. The entire notification is available at http://www.x3news.com.
Source: x3news.com (15.04.2008)

Bulgaria Claims Double Compensations for NPP Kozloduy "We will claim two times higher compensations for the decommissioning of the power units of NPP Kozloduy," Bulgaria's Minister of Economy and Energy, Petar Dimitrov said in the coastal city of Varna. "By 2009, Bulgaria is to be compensated with 550 million euro and so far we have absorbed 350 million. We hope to negotiate higher compensations with the European Commission. If the power units were working now, Bulgaria would profit 350 million euro from them (the money that we have already received from the European Commission) in about a year and a half. This is why we think that the provided compensations are too small and we have launched negotiations for more money," Minister Dimitrov said. "We have invested the 350 million euro from the European Commission mostly in the modernization of NPP Kozloduy and in energy efficiency projects. We have all grounds to claim an increase of the resource before 2009," he added. To his words, Bulgaria is at the crossroads of traditional and alternative energy sources. "On the whole, West Europe is more oriented towards the alternative sources of energy, but at the same time we have not exhausted the potential of the traditional ones, yet," the minister said. According to him, to reach the average electricity consumption of electricity in the EU, Bulgaria should decrease its consumption of power ten times. Also, by 2020 we should reduce the emissions of greenhouse gases by 20%, to achieve a sixteen-percent share of the renewable energy sources in our energy sector and a ten percent share of the biofuels in the transport sector, as well as to make 20% energy savings. In the coastal city of Varna Minister Dimitrov inaugurated the Open Doors Day of the program "Intelligent Energy - Europe II, which totals 45 million euro for this year alone. The projects under the program are for a term of three years and they are to be submitted by June 26, 2008. So far Bulgaria has participated in over two hundred projects for 4,135,000 euro.
Source: Standart (21.04.2008)

Brussels EC to Raise Compensations for Kozloduy Nuke Closure "The European Commission spoke on technical level with Bulgarian representatives regarding a possible increase of the compensations for the decommissioning of Units 3 and 4 of Kozloduy Nuclear Power Plant (NPP)," Spokesperson of Energy Commissioner Andris Piebalgs, Ferran Tarradellas, said in an interview for BTA. Only a day earlier Bulgarian Minister of Economy and Energy Petar Dimitrov stated that Bulgaria would demand that the EC enlarges the recompense to 1.1 billion euro. "The European Commission is not against an increase, especially since there have been similar cases with Slovakia and Lithuania," Ferran Tarradellas pointed out. The contact on technical level regarding the issue was made to guarantee that Bulgaria's demands are well-grounded. Ferran Tarradellas also added that an exact size of the additional compensations would be discussed as soon as Bulgaria provided solid grounds for its demands. "A decision to raise the compensation amount can come into force only if approval by the EC, European Parliament and the Council of Europe," Ferran Tarradellas emphasized.
Source: Standart (22.04.2008)

Ukraine-based company Radiy has been chosen to modernize the security systems of NPP Kozloduy’s units V and VI, said Minister of Economy and Energy Petar Dimitrov. The contract worth EUR 67 mln was signed during the visit of the Ukrainian Minister of Foreign Affairs – Volodimir Ogrizko, in Sofia. The executor will be the development-manufacturing company Radiy, a part of the company Radi-Kirovograd. The replacement of the security systems would enhance their exploitation by 30 to 60 years. The Ukrainian company has EU certificates, which means that the equipment will correspond to the EU requirements.
Source: Trud (23.04.2008)

BNP-Paribas to Run Finances for Belene NPP Construction "The bank to manage the financial operations related to the funding of Belene Nuclear Power Plant's construction will be France's BNP-Paribas," Bulgarian Minister of Economy and Energy Petar Dimitrov announced. The choice was made on Monday by the National Electrical Company (NEC). There had been another offer submitted, again by a French bank, but BNP-Paribas' offer gained the upper hand following a careful analysis of both proposals. According to Minister Dimitrov, finding funding for the new nuke's construction would by no means be a difficulty given the profound interest on the part of investors. Minister Dimitrov attended the sealing of a contract for modernization of Kozloduy NPP's systems for safety management. The agreement was signed by Kozloduy NPP Managing Director Ivan Genov and the head of Radiy Radio Component Plant Research and Production Corporation, based in the Ukrainian city of Kirovohrad, Evgeniy Bahmatch, as part of the visit of Ukraine's Foreign Minister Volodymyr Ohryzko to Bulgaria. Radiy Radio Component Parts Plant has been selected to be the main contractor by competition. The contract envisages the replacement of six systems for safety management. Its worth is 67 million euro.
Source: Standart (23.04.2008)

Bids for job to advise creation of energy holding due Jun 10 Bulgaria has opened a procedure to select a consultant for the incorporation of an energy holding that will consolidate major state-owned power assets like the Maritsa Iztok mines, the Maritsa Iztok 2 thermal power plant, gas distributor Bulgargaz and the Kozloduy nuclear power plant. The task of the advisor will be to organise and implement the preparatory work, to register the holding and come up with guidelines for the consolidation of the company and for the improvement of the regulatory framework. The eight-month advisory contract will generate a remuneration of 800,000 levs without taxes. The procedure is open to local and otherwise outfits, tie-ins and individuals. The bids should be submitted by June 10. Deloitte Bulgaria was hired by the economy ministry to draw up the energy holding concept. The model for the restructuring of the companies that will be consolidated into the holding was okayed by the government two months ago. Deloitte estimates that the consolidated revenues of the new structure will add up to 1.78 bln euro with assets topping 4 bln euro. The consultant cautions that the lumping together of the earmarked companies will not automatically result in a higher credit rating for the umbrella structure.
Source: Dnevnik (07.05.2008)

The Ministry of Economy and Energy (MEE) has imported in the Commission for Protection of Competition a notice of its intention to create an energy holding company, including five public companies - Bulgargaz, NEC, Mini Maritsa Iztok, TPP Maritsa Iztok-2 and NPP Kozlodui, announced from the Ministry on Thursday. The preliminary assessment for a possible monopoly is compulsory for merger or acquiring of companies. The submitted file for the creation of future megaholding is the second step in its structuring. Recently, MEE announced a procedure for assigning of public order for choosing a consultant in case of implementing the holding model.
Source: mediapool.bg (23.05.2008)

Nuclear Power Plant Kozloduy SPJSC fulfilled the plan on the dispatcher schedule for production of electricity (7 471 600 MWh) for the first 6 months of the year, the nuclear plant reported. Early implementation of the plan, which was reported yesterday, is due to the reliable and efficient operation of the nuclear facilities in operation – the 1000-MW 5th and 6th units, provided by the performed modernizations and high professionalism of the staff. Today, 5th unit operates at 93% of its power, and 6th - at 100%, in accordance with the schedule of the Central Dispatching Control - Sofia.
Source: Agency Focus (03.06.2008)

Construction of Burgas-Alexandroupolis Oil Pipeline to Start in 2009 The construction of the Burgas-Alexandroupolis Oil Pipeline is going to start in 2009, according to Stefan Gunchev, Head of the Political Cabinet of Buglaria's Regional Development Ministry. Gunchev announced that the speed of the execution of the project currently depended on the firms hired to perform the work. In his words, a meeting of the executive directors of the firms executing the pipeline construction would take place in Russia's capital Moscow on June 10. The directors are expected to select a business consultant and a firm to carry out the exploration work. According to Gunchev, there would be more clarity on the project in 5-6 months after the preliminary exploration work was completed. Yet, he did point out the construction was expected to start in a year from now, i.e. in June, 2009, and was expected to last one year. The planned pipeline is supposed to transport Russian oil from the Bulgarian Black Sea port of Burgas to the Greek Mediterranean port of Alexandroupolis.
Source: Novinar (10.06.2008)

Three companies are offering their consultancy services for the implementation of a holding model for the restructuring and consolidation of the state energy companies NEC, Bulgargaz, NPP Kozloduy, TPP Maritsa-iztok-2 and Mines Maritsa Iztok SPJSC into a megaholding. This was reported by the Ministry of Economy and Energy a day after the deadline for submission of offers for participation in the contract expired. The candidates are Deloitte Bulgaria, which consulted the Ministry during the previous procedure for preparation of a concept for merger of the five state energy companies. Their participation was expected, given the fact that the government approved the principal scheme of the future energy holding. The other candidates are Bulbrokers Consulting and Euroaudit BX.
Source: mediapool.bg (11.06.2008)

Three consulting companies are in the running to advise the Bulgarian energy ministry on the model for the consolidation of state-owned power assets into a holding structure. The bids handed in by Bulbrokers Consulting, Deloitte Bulgaria and Euroodit BX were officially unsealed on Wednesday. The financial parameters of the offers will be announced on June 13. All state-owned power enterprises - national power grid operator NEK, Bulgargaz Holding, the Maritsa Iztok mines, Maritsa Iztok 2 power plant and the Kozloduy nuclear power plant, will be folded into the new holding structure, creating a concentration of assets valued at over 4 bln euro. The annual revenues of the new company are estimated at 1.8 bln euro. The main tasks that will be entrusted to the selected consultant will include making the necessary preparations for the registration of the holding, coming up with guidelines for the consolidation and transformation of the different assets and recommendations to improve the regulatory framework. The selected advisor will also draw up the blueprint for the financial and investment management of the holding.(
Source: Dnevnik (12.06.2008)

US Investors Want BG Nuclear Plant US companies have showed interest in the decommissioned units 3 and 4 of Kozloduy Nuclear Power Plant. They'd like to rent the two reactors and restart them, sources from PM Sergey Stanishev's delegation revealed for the The Standart following his conversation with US President George Bush. "Not long ago a Canadian company came up with the same proposal," officials from the Bulgarian Ministry of Economy and Energy reminded. During the talks in Washington a question whether it is possible to build unit 7 came from the American side, The Standart learnt. Experts disclosed that the interest on the part of the US must have been born by the fact that 30% from the preparations necessary for the construction not only unit 7 but also unit 8, were already carried out. Moreover, the entire procedure of asking the neighbouring countries' consent to construct them has been completed. A construction site has been designated. The project research has also been completed.
Source: Standart (20.06.2008)

Bulgaria Asks for American Support for NPP Kozloduy Energy and visas - these were the two priorities of PM Sergey Stanishev during his visit to the USA. The future of NPP Kozloduy and diversification of the energy sources were among the priority issues discussed during the meeting between Bulgaria's PM Sergey Stanishev and US President George Bush. US President promised support for PM Stanishev's ambition to turn Bulgaria into an energy center on the Balkans. PM Stanishev told the US President about the energy projects that are under way in Bulgaria and invited US business to invest in them. A working group appointed by the Bulgarian Prime Minister is mulling over the future of NPP Kozloduy. According to one of the options, experts should find out whether extra capacities could be built in power units five and six. A few days before Stanishev's set-off for the USA a rumor went about that experts were again discussing the idea of constructing a seventh power unit of NPP Kozloduy. PM Sergey Stanishev informed US State Secretary of Energy Samuel Wright Bodman of the energy situation on the Balkans after the decommissioning of power units 3 and 4 of NPP Kozloduy. "Considering the Energy deficit in the region, I think it's important for the US investors to be more active," PM Stanishev said.
Source: Standart (20.06.2008)

US Investors Want to Build Kozloduy NPP Unit 7 A US company is willing to build a new unit at Bulgaria's Kozloduy Nuclear Power Plant. Bulgarian Minister of Economy and Energy Petar Dimitrov confirmed this yesterday on Darik Radio. He added that an analysis of the possibility to build substitute reactors is being prepared, as there is an already developed infrastructure network in Kozloduy. By Dimitrov's words, such a project could indeed be launched as nuclear power generation is currently living through a period of a global scale 'renaissance.' "There are 27 projects for building nuclear power facilities waiting to be implemented in the US within the next few years," the minister said.
Source: Standart (23.06.2008)

The contracting entity with the most public procurements for 2007 is NPP Kozloduy SPJSC, according to the annual report of the Public Procurement Agency. The company ranked first with a total of 246 contracts signed. Ministry of Regional Development and Public Works is second with 189 contracts, followed by Sofia municipality with 184 contracts. The list of the biggest Bulgarian contracting entities also includes National Company Railway Infrastructure, National Revenues Agency, Thermo-electric power plant Maritsa-iztok-2 SPJSC and Enel Maritsa-Iztok 3 JSC.
Source: Agency Focus (24.06.2008)

Full Power to Bulgaria's Energy Sector After Bulgaria's President convened the Consultative Council on National Security as regards energy policy, Bulgaria's top politicians gave full power to all energy projects. Their goal is to make Bulgaria the Balkans' energy giant. "I am much pleased with the debate on the country's energy security. The prevailing opinion was that the projects South Stream, Nabucco and Bourgas-Alexandroupolis pipeline are of strategic importance for Bulgaria," President Georgi Parvanov said appearing from the four-hour sitting. The President said that there were no risks of an energy crisis in Bulgaria and that in the next few years the country would become an energy center in the region. Economy Minister Petar Dimitrov said there was no risk of power cuts even if the winter comes harsh. President Parvanov also praised our diplomats saying that had been their most successful mission in the energy sector so far. He also said that Bulgaria's energy policy would be an inseparable part of the EU energy strategy and added that Nabucco was a priority project. President Georgi Parvanov, PM Sergey Stanishev, Director of the State Agency for National Security, Petko Sertov, ministers and MPs, registered a delay in the realization of the NPP Belene and South Stream energy projects. As regards the construction of new capacities on the site of NPP Kozloduy, President Parvanov gave the floor to PM Stanishev because, he said, the Prime Minister was better acquainted with the issue. The two demonstrated unanimity and accord of opinions. "There should not be party struggle and political intrigues when it comes to the energy security of the country," Mr. Stanishev said. He said additional capacities could be built on the site of NPP Kozloduy. To his words, Bulgaria will assume a leading role in the transit of natural gas with a total of ten or twelve percent of the natural gas flow to the EU passing through its territory. President Parvanov also said he would inform the Citizens for European Development of Bulgaria Movement (GERB) and the rest of the political parties that are not represented in Plenary Hall about the recent energy projects, so that the projects could receive maximum social support. Minister of Economy and Energy Petar Dimitrov said that the South Stream project would be ratified by the Government tomorrow. He added that big investors were interested in the construction of the extra capacities of NPP Kozloduy. "A seventh reactor of NPP Kozloduy will come quite good, but this will mean that we will have to give up our claims for the reopening of reactors 3 and 4," the minister said.
Source: Standart (25.06.2008)

The electricity sales made by national power grid operator NEK to the regional power distribution companies fell by 780,000 levs in '07, shows the audited financial report of the state-owned utility. NEK is owed 96 mln levs by the power distributors, up 5 mln levs over '06. The utility owes 597 mln levs to banks, double the '06 figure. The top creditor is BNP Paribas which arranged a 250 mln euro syndicated loan. It is followed by Bank Austrian Creditanstalt which extended a 100 mln euro export loan for the construction of the Tsankov Kamak hydro power complex. Dutch ING Bank provided 28.3 mln euro for the rehabilitation of the Dolna Arda hydro power complex.
Source: Dnevnik (26.06.2008)

The Bulgarian government is ready to farm out to U.S. companies the construction of a 7th unit at the Kozloduy nuclear power plant and that of a new power capacity in the Maritsa Iztok coal-mining basin, said economy minister Petar Dimitrov. The interest on the part of the U.S. companies became apparent during the overseas visit a week ago by the Bulgarian prime minister. Hristo Kovachki, the Bulgarian businessman with substantial power asset holdings, is also interested in the two projects. The addition of a 7th and 8th unit to the Kozloduy NPP should happen by 2030 and is not seen as an alternative to the planned construction of a new NPP at the Danube town of Belene. The new nuclear unit will be built under a public-private partnership, said Dimitrov, adding that Westinghouse was not the only corporation eyeing the project. The investor in the new Maritsa Iztok capacity will be picked on a competitive basis, said the government official. That contract has so far caught the attention of AES of the U.S., Italy's Enel and Germany's RWE.
Source: Dnevnik (26.06.2008)

After an open procedure for assigning a public order and after Ministry of Economy and Energy made a decision, Deloitte Bulgaria SPLTD was chosen for the consultant of the Ministry on the foundation of Bulgarian Energy Holding, said the press center of MEE. The candidates, which applied offers in time for the public order “Consultant services for realization of holding model for re-structuring and consolidation of the energy company with sole capital owner – the State”, were three - Bulbrokers Consulting SPLTD, Deloitte Bulgaria SPLTD and Euroaudit BX Consortium.
Source: Agency Focus (27.06.2008)

Deloitte Consults Bulgarian Government on Energy Holding Delloit Bulgaria Ltd has been selected as a consultant on the establishment of an energy holding, sources from the Ministry of Economy told The Standart. The other candidates were Bulbrokers Consulting and the consortium EuroAudit BX. EuroAudit were ousted from the tender because their offer was incomplete; Bulbrokers' offer was for 725,000 levs (VAT excluded) and Delloit - 736,000 levs (VAT excluded). The energy holding will unite five state-run ventures.
Source: Standart (27.06.2008)

Svinecomplex Nikolovo JSC sells real estate propertiues to Laudis Agro SPLTD. This is the result of a decision made during the general shareholders meeting of Svinecomplex Nikolovo that took place on April 30. The sale contract was signed on June 23. The sale price is BGN 1,338,600 and is conformed with the approved by the general shareholders meeting valuation of the properties, prepared by the independent expert-valuer Yavlena Impact LTD. The last trade in Svinecomplex Nikolovo JSC shares was made on June 9, when 50 lots were traded at BGN 0.88.
Source: RuseInfo.net (30.06.2008)

Electricity export to rise four-fold by 2030 Bulgaria's electricity export may rise four-fold to 18 billion kWh by 2030, a report by minister of economy and energy Petar Dimitrov shows. For comparison, in 2007 Bulgaria exported 4.5 billion kWh electricity, while some 2.3 billion kWh were transited through the country. The minister's optimism has to do with the Belene NPP that will start functioning in 2014 or 2015. If the seventh and eighth units of NPP Kozloduy are completed by 2030, Bulgaria's electricity export may even reach 33 billion kWh, the report says.
Source: Pari (01.07.2008)

CPC: The energy holding does not threaten the competition The Commission for Protection of Competition decided that the establishment of the Bulgarian Energy Holding, with the purpose of capital participation and/or management of Bulgargaz holding SPJSC, National Electricity Company (NEK) SPJSC, Nuclear Power Plant Kozloduy SPJSC, Thermo-electric power plant Maritsa-iztok-2 SPJSC and Mines Maritsa Iztok SPJSC, would not be concentration of economic activity. The companies would preserve their independence after the establishment, while the Bulgarian Energy Holding would not perform production ot trade activities. Each of the companies would be able to define its market behaviour, it would develop and introduce operational strategies in order to meet the financial goals, put by the holding, would preserve the individually issued licenses and would remain independent, by the other companies and the holding, economic unit.
Source: Darik Radio (01.07.2008)

The Commission for Protection of Competition has permitted the structuring of the Bulgarian Energy Holding with the capital of Bulgargaz Holding, National Electricity Company, Nuclear Power Plant Kozloduy SPJSC, TPP Maritsa-iztok-2 SPJSC and Mines Maritsa Iztok SPJSC. It was determined that the creation of mega-holding is not a concentration of business, but represents an internal restructuring of the state companies and that is why it is not covered by the Law on Protection of Competition.
Source: mediapool.bg (02.07.2008)

There is not and has not been a radiation cloud despite the continuous rumours, Rasho Parvanov, Head of Exploitation department in Kozloduy NPP told the Standart. He added that the radiation levels in Bulgaria and around the NPP are within the norms. The information was confirmed by the chief secretary to the Nuclear Regulations Agency, eng. Nikolay Vlahov. He said that he was aware of the rumours but there was no real radiation threat for Bulgaria or Europe. Vlahov added that he was presently in Vienna where the headquarters of the European Nuclear Engineering Network was and where no information had been received for increase of radiation levels. The pollution rumours were spread on Saturday morning when a couple of information agencies and radios informed about such a possibility.
Source: Standart (02.07.2008)

Bulgaria May Construct NPP Kozloduy Units 7 and 8 without EU Consent Bulgaria may decide on constructing units 7 and 8 at Kozloduy nuclear plant without consulting the EU. The Treaty of Accession of 2005 decrees no restrictions on new power generation facilities construction, according to officials at EU Energy Commissioner Andris Piebalgs' Press Room, who spoke to money.bg. Recently, following a sitting of the Consultative Council for National Security, which had the implementation of various energy projects on its agenda, it emerged that two US companies had shown interest in building units 7 and 8 with Bulgaria's first nuke. However, under the provisions of articles 41-43 of the Euratom Treaty, all energy-sector investments are to be deliberated together with Brussels, EC officials explained. The Commission's approval is requested after a choice on what technology would be utilized, should this technology come from a non-EU country. Such is the case of Belene nuclear power plant, which is to be built by The Russian Atomstroyexport. There are no provisions under the Accession Treaty that forbid the setting up of new power production facilities and the decommissioning of units 1, 2, 3, and 4 of Kozloduy could not be influenced in any way by any new projects. "For now the government will retain Belene nuke as its number one priority. The construction of two new units at Kozloduy is just an idea," officials from the Bulgarian Economy and Energy Ministry commented.
Source: Standart (08.07.2008)

Air conditioners have exhausted the power generation capacity of NPP Kozloduy. Tuesday was the hottest day of the year so far and air conditioners consumed more electricity than on the coldest winter days. The consumption of electricity hit 800 megawatts as against an average daily consumption of 600-650 megawatts last summer. The only operating power unit of NPP Kozloduy, Reactor 6, generated 1,004 megawatts. Reactor five has been temporarily decommissioned for repairs. Still, Bulgaria can export some electricity, about 1,000 megawatts, to its neighbors - Greece, Macedonia and Serbia - which are about to face severe power cuts because of the heats. Greece has already announced it relies only on Bulgaria for electricity supply. Athens and Tirana have already started shutting down the electricity in some districts for a certain time period so as to avoid network overload. Had power units three and four not been decommissioned, we could have helped our neighbors avoid the power crisis," sources from NPP Kozloduy told The Standart.
Source: Standart (09.07.2008)

"On Principle, Bulgaria should not sell electricity to Greece, because it was namely Greece's vote that decommissioned units 3 and 4 of NPP Kozloduy," nuke's director Ivan Genov said. "The decommissioning of the reactors costs Bulgaria 880 megawatt-hours of electricity a day, but Greece deserves to have severe energy problems so as to fully realize the consequences of its deed. Of course, the decisions as regards the export of electricity are not taken by the NPP Kozloduy management only, but also by the National Electric Company," he went on. He says the peak in electricity consumption is normal in the summer, as air conditioning has become more popular in Bulgaria. "But these 880 megawatt-hours which Bulgaria consumed on a hot summer day could have been generated by the closed power units," Genov said.
Source: Standart (09.07.2008)

Bulgarian MPs voted on the list of companies prohibited from privatisation, which includes 66 healthcare institutions, as well as companies with over 50% state participation. The list includes NPP Kozloduy, NEK, Bulgargaz, the National Sports Base, etc. Parliament also adopted the requirement that following the privatisation of a healthcare institution, it still has to offer the minimum range of services described in the National Health Card. Thus, the privatised institution will have to offer medical services adapted to the needs of the population in the respective region.
Source: Pari (10.07.2008)

NPP Kozloduy Management Accused of Nuclear Fuel Fraud In a letter to Prosecutor General Boris Velchev, the Ekoglasnost movement has accused the management of the Kozloduy NPP of charging the reactors with recycled instead of fresh fuel. According to the Bulgarian News Agency, the environmentalists quote a warning by nuclear physicist Georgi Kotev, employed at the Kozloduy NPP. The Ekoglasnost members insist the Prosecutor General should launch a checkup. Kotev claims that the new nuclear rods do not comply with the characteristics listed by the producer and in the worst case the plant is supplied with recycled fuel. 'A large-scale corruption scheme for dozens of millions euro a year has been realized because of the difference in prices of fresh and recycled nuclear fuel,' the Ekoglastnost letter reads. Copies of the letter have been sent to EU Energy Commissioner Andris Piebalgs, to the Nuclear Energy Directorate, Directorate-General for Energy and Transport of the European Commission and to Boyko Velikov, Chairman of the Anti-corruption Commission with the Bulgarian Parliament. 'These allegations are untrue,' NPP Kozloduy Director Ivan Genov said.
Source: Standart (14.07.2008)

The management of Kozloduy NPP referred the case about slander and revealing of trade secrets by company employee Georgi Kotev to Bulgaria's Prosecutor's Office and the State Agency for National Security. A few days ago, Kotev announced that the new shipment to the power plant contained recycled fuel or fuel that does not correspond to the producer's requirements. A campaign is being organised for discrediting Bulgaria's nuclear energy sector, Ivan Genov, executive director of Kozloduy NPP, said. The nuclear energy industry in the country will likely suffer additional blows, Genov said.
Source: Pari (18.07.2008)

The Bulgarian Nuclear Power Plant (NPP) "Kozlodui" has registered yet another record in the production of electricity by reaching its nine-month production goal 41 days earlier. The planned nine-month quantity of 10 257 123 MWh has been reached Wednesday. A total of 11 200 000 MWh are expected to be produced by the end of September The good production results have been made possible due to the reduction of the time of the annual renovation of the NPP's fifth block. Representatives of the NPP say further that Thursday, the fifth block has began to work with 100% of its capacity, while the sixth block was going be stopped for its planned annual renovation and would function with 82% of its capacity.
Source: Darik Radio (22.08.2008)

Energy companies under the control of Bulgargaz Bulgargaz will be the top company in the future Bulgarian Energy Holding SPJSC (BEH SPJSC). The rest of the state-owned companies to be included in the holding will be NEC, Nuclear Power Plant Kozloduy, TPP Maritsa East 2 and Mines Maritsa Iztok. The new company will be based on Bulgargaz as the name and basic line of business will be altered. BEH will remain a joint stock company, 100% state-owned. Capital shares of NEC, TPP Maritsa East 2 and Mines Maritsa Iztok will be transferred into BEH. Except for these companies, the holding will include also the existing Bulgargaz Holding subsidiaries – Bulgargaz - Sofia, Bulgartransgaz and Bulgartel. The new energy giant will have assets worth BGN 8.5 bln, earnings of about BGN 3.6 bln and 21 thous. employees.
Source: Standart (19.09.2008)

The Japanese company Tokyo Electric Power is interested in investing in Bulgaria's nuclear power plant in Kozloduy This became clear as Bulgaria's Minister of Energy and Economy Petar Dimitrov met with a Japanese business delegation. The company is interested into the possibilities to reopen Reactors 3 and 4 of the plant, which were closed down on January 1, 2006, as part of Bulgaria's EU accession negotiations. Alternatively, it might also be interested into the building of new nuclear reactors in Kozloduy. The Japanese delegation included representatives of companies from the chemical industry, agriculture, biotechnologies, high-tech, banking and finance sectors. Bulgaria's Economy Minister Petar Dimitrov presented the country's advantages as an investment destination stressing the cheap electricity and natural gas. Dimitrov pointed out that the bilateral trade between Bulgaria and Japan was rather unsatisfactory as it amounted to only USD 130-150 mln per year. The organizing of the Bulgarian Days in Japan in 2009, which will also be attended by Bulgaria's President Georgi Parvanov, was discussed during the meeting. The Bulgarian Ministry of the Economy is also considering holding an investment forum in Japan in an effort to attract more Japanese firms.
Source: Novinar (21.10.2008)

Eastern Europe Looks to Nuclear Revival to Meet its Power Needs From the Baltic to Bulgaria, governments in Eastern Europe are increasingly looking toward a revival of nuclear power generation to meet growing energy demand. The renewed interest in nuclear energy in a region that has been under intense pressure from the European Union to close unsafe older-generation plants coincides with a lively debate in several West European countries, in which governments seek cleaner energy options to combat climate change. Even in Germany, where public opinion has traditionally opposed nuclear energy, the coalition government of Chancellor Angela Merkel is considering reversing a decision to phase out the country's nuclear plants. For Eastern Europe, a nuclear revival offers a way to lessen dependency on Russian natural gas and oil. Despite memories of the devastating accident at the Soviet-built reactor at Chernobyl, Ukraine in 1986, governments in Lithuania, Romania, Bulgaria and Slovakia are renovating old nuclear plants or building new ones. "There is a very strong interest and tangible progress in plans to build new power plants in the countries of Eastern Europe," said Vince Novak, director of the nuclear safety department at the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development in London, which was established in the early 1990s to help Eastern and Central Europe make the transition to a market economy. Since the creation of the bank, a priority for its nuclear energy experts has been to ensure that nuclear plants in the region meet strict safety standards. "We are focused on one of the prerequisites for a nuclear renaissance: safety," Novak said in an interview. "We work for nuclear safety, decommissioning of first-generation Soviet reactors, safe and secure management of nuclear waste and spent fuel. These are the requisites."
Source: Standart (31.10.2008)

A 10-day expert inspection began at Nuclear Power Plant Kozloduy SPJSC by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) for a follow up mission on the implementation of the program for modernization of the 1000 MW 5th and 6th units. IAEA has been invited by Nuclear Regulation Agency and the government following a request of NPP Kozloduy in order to evaluate and compare the implementation of the program with the requirements given by the international agency for the two ÂÂÅÐ-1000 units.
Source: Monitor (11.11.2008)

Kozlodui atomic power station reimbursed its credit to Russian Roseksimbank before the due term, the company announced. The credit amounted to USD 52.5 million and was used for the modernisation of fifth and sixth units. This financial operation brought BGN 7.7 million positive rate difference and saved interests till 2021 amounting at BGN 22.8 million. The profit for the power station is BGN 30.4 million.
Source: Pari (17.11.2008)

Argentina to Fight Reopen Bulgarian Nuclear Units Argentina has showed interest in Bulgaria's decommissioned nuclear units. Three leading companies from Buenos Aires reportedly expressed interest in units third and fourth of Kozloduy NPP that were shut down on January 1st, 2007, emerged during Bulgaria's President Georgi Parvanov's official visit to Argentina. The Argentinean companies inquired about the possibilities for reopening of the units. Experts from Argentina made checks and found out that the two units still possessed quite potentials for exploitation. A month ago one of the companies sent representatives to Bulgaria to get familiar with the documents and legislation. Bulgarian experts lay high hopes in the possibilities of Argentineans overcoming the difficulties and succeeding in opening the units. The major difficulty is Bulgaria's political commitment to Brussels on acceding to the EU to close down the reactors. Nevertheless, a great EU countries are ready to allow the units re-decommissioning. Denmark, Greece and Austria are the Argentineans' greatest opponents in this endeavour. The companies are expected to send official inquiries to Brussels and Bulgaria in the beginning of 2009.
Source: Standart (18.11.2008)

IAEA Writes a Positive Report on Kozloduy Nuke The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has A-graded the functioning units 5 and 6 of Bulgaria's nuclear power station in Kozloduy. The preliminary report of the Agency mission assesses highly the safety of the reactors. During the last ten days the IAEA have carried out an inspection of the two units. The report was commissioned by the Nuclear Regulatory Agency (Bulgaria.) The aim was to assess the results of the nuke's modernization worth over USD 500 million. The repair works were done in compliance with the IAEA recommendations. Within two weeks, the team of the IAEA will sum up the results in an official report that will be submitted to the NRA, said Ivan Genov, Director of the Kozloduy NPP.
Source: Standart (21.11.2008)

Bulgarian Energy Holding, the structure created two months ago to consolidate key power generation assets, reported a 22% rise in nine-month profit revealing no financial details. BEH comprises the country’s biggest coal-fired power plant, the state-owned Maritsa East 2, coal miner Maritsa East, Kozloduy nuclear plant, state-run gas distributor Bulgargaz, Bulgartransgaz, telecom services provider Bulgartel, national power grid operator NEK and the Electricity System Operator. Kozloduy NPP was the best performer in the group. Bulgargaz landed at the other end of the scale with a loss of BGN 35.4 million for the nine months blaming the regulatory axe on its price hike proposal. At the same time, the gas company continued to pocket fees for the transit of Russian gas via Bulgaria at the expense of Bulgartransgaz in breach of the gas directive. The two companies are expected to sign an agreement on the fees by the end of the year.
Source: Dnevnik (03.12.2008)

EBRD would grant EUR 100 mln for radioactive waste depository The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) will grant EUR 100 million for consultant, design and construction of storage for low-and medium-radioactive waste, announced the Executive Director of the State Enterprise Radioactive waste Boris Pekov. According to preliminary estimates the construction will cost EUR 600-700 million. The fund for radioactive waste, to which NPP Kozloduy contributes, will also participate with resources. By the end of the year consultant for the construction is expected to be selected.
Source: Dnevnik (11.12.2008)

Kozloduy Municipality Demands Reopening of Kozloduy Units 3 and 4 In a declaration to the Bulgarian and European Parliaments as well as the Council of Europe, Kozloduy Municipal Council yesterday demanded that Units 3 and 4 of Kozloduy Nuclear Power Plant (NPP) be immediately restarted. The reason for their declaration is an environmental risk assessment, which has been conducted following the closure of the nuke's first four units. After drafting the declaration, the councillors expressed their unanimity that it is a must for the two units to resume power production. "Even if permission is granted, the restart the units will take 6 months," Rasho Parvanov, head of Kozloduy NPP's Exploitation Department, said. Mr. Parvanov also said that getting such permission would be difficult. "I think we've got better chances if the reactors are leased to some EU firm," he added.
Source: Standart (20.12.2008)