Next week,
Bulgaria’s Energy Ministry will sign a contract with the Bulgarian Academy of
Sciences for the preparation of an analysis as to whether Bulgaria needs new
nuclear capacity, as understood by the statement of outgoing Minister Petkova
on bTV on Thursday morning.
Petkova pointed out
that after Bulgaria did pay Russia the amount ruled by the Arbitration
Court in Geneva, it is now time to be sensible about energy.
She explained that
it is necessary for the assets of the Belene NPP to be diverted to a separate
company which could be offered for privatisation – and, if there is interest,
the project for a second nuclear capacity might be achieved. Otherwise, we have
to find a buyer for the two reactors that have already been built.
Petkova stated
these are ready, proven by three inspections by Bulgarian experts in
Russia at the end of the year.
It is expected that
the reactors will be delivered to Bulgaria by the April.
(www.novinite.com, January 5, 2017)