Bulgaria is on the verge of advancing its nuclear energy capabilities with a new partnership that could see the deployment of small modular reactors (SMRs) in the country. Poland-based Synthos Green Energy has entered into a preliminary agreement with local firm Blue Bird Energy to form a joint venture aimed at installing up to six advanced SMR units.
This collaboration aims to establish a new generation of zero-emission nuclear capacity, which is expected to provide continuous and competitively priced electricity. The proposed reactors are intended primarily for energy-intensive industrial consumers, supporting the burgeoning needs of data centers and artificial intelligence infrastructure while also aiding in the decarbonization of district heating systems throughout Bulgaria.
As part of the joint venture, Synthos and Blue Bird will handle several critical responsibilities, including identifying and preparing suitable sites for the reactors, navigating the complex licensing and regulatory landscape, overseeing construction and project execution, securing necessary financing, and ensuring long-term operational safety and performance once the reactors are operational.
The reactors under consideration are the BWRX-300 units developed by GE Vernova Hitachi. This design incorporates passive safety features and modular construction methods that promise to reduce build times significantly and lower investment costs. Estimates suggest potential capital cost reductions of up to 60% per megawatt compared to traditional nuclear projects, making this technology one of the most competitive options available in the SMR market.
With this initiative, Bulgaria would align itself with a growing number of countries, including the United States, Canada, Poland, and Hungary, that are actively pursuing BWRX-300 technology deployments. Synthos Green Energy has highlighted that access to stable, low-cost baseload electricity could enhance Bulgaria’s industrial competitiveness while providing local companies opportunities to engage in the global supply chain for this reactor type.
Synthos Green Energy was founded in 2019 and has been expanding its SMR partnerships across various European markets. The Bulgarian project represents a strategic move to scale this technology regionally. Meanwhile, Blue Bird Energy, based in Sofia, specializes in early-stage development of small modular nuclear projects, covering feasibility studies, site selection, engineering, construction, and commissioning. Its main shareholders include Glavbolgarstroy, a prominent construction and engineering group, and Assarel-Medet, Bulgaria’s largest copper mining and processing company.
