Russia's ambassador stated that Bulgaria plans to abandon Russian… (болгария · аэс · митрофанов)
Russia's ambassador stated that Bulgaria plans to abandon Russian servicing of its nuclear power plant. This was reported by Russia's ambassador in Bulgaria, Eleonora Mitrofanova, in an interview with RIA Novosti.
Consensus
- Bulgaria is attempting to replace Russian suppliers of services and components for the Kozloduy nuclear power plant.
- The replacement efforts are focused on American and European companies.
- The Kozloduy nuclear power plant was built in 1974 with Soviet Union involvement.
- Work continues on transitioning the fifth reactor block to Westinghouse fuel cassettes.
- Bulgaria is negotiating with France regarding spent nuclear fuel disposal.
- The Russian ambassador to Bulgaria, Eleonora Mitrofanova, made these statements in an interview with RIA Novosti.
Points of divergence
- Bulgaria has already identified European alternatives for certain original spare parts, including valves and membrane units. — kommersant
- The replacement of a safety membrane on the sixth reactor with a locally produced part caused multiple unplanned shutdowns and cost the state enterprise tens of millions of euros. — kommersant
- Bulgaria's decision to replace Russian suppliers is due to political reasons. — vedomosti
- The Bulgarian Prime Minister, Rumen Radew, has previously vetoed the 21st package of EU sanctions and stated he would do so again if it affected national interests, including energy sector stakeholders like Vagit Alekperov. — vedomosti
- The Bulgarian government has already imposed a veto on the 21st EU sanctions package. — vedomosti
Coverage (2 sources)
- Russian Ambassador Says Bulgaria Plans to Abandon Russian Nuclear Power Plant Services — Коммерсантъ
- Ambassador claims Bulgaria attempted to reject Russian nuclear power plant servicing — Ведомости