NPP Kozloduy is preparing to introduce alternative nuclear fuel in Unit 6, as part of efforts to reduce reliance on Russian suppliers and broaden its nuclear fuel sources. NPP Kozloduy Director Ivan Andreev said preparations are focused on testing before any wider deployment of the new fuel type.
Andreev confirmed that revised documentation was resubmitted to the Nuclear Regulatory Agency after an earlier application was returned for technical deficiencies. The operator and regulator said the issues identified in the first submission have been corrected, and the proposal is now in a substantive review phase. Experimental fuel assemblies supplied by Westinghouse are planned for introduction into Unit 6 as part of the qualification process .
Regulatory review and Westinghouse qualification steps for Unit 6
The qualification approach involves placing the experimental assemblies into Unit 6 prior to broader use of the new fuel design. Andreev said the resubmission followed technical problems that led to the initial application being returned. The current stage is described by the operator and regulator as a substantive review process following correction of deficiencies.
Alongside the Westinghouse qualification work, NPP Kozloduy is coordinating with additional international suppliers for future fuel deliveries. Representatives of Framatome are expected to visit the plant later this month to discuss supplies for Unit 6. Current scheduling foresees delivery arrivals by November, with contractual provisions including penalties if shipments are delayed .
Fuel compatibility, reserves, and delivery timing for Unit 6
NPP Kozloduy officials said the French fuel design is compatible with existing reactor requirements. They also stated that if deliveries were postponed, the plant has sufficient fuel reserves to continue operations well into the next decade. This is intended to reduce immediate concerns about supply security while diversification continues.
Diversification of nuclear fuel supply remains a broader strategic priority for NPP Kozloduy, according to officials. Andreev said transactions involving Russian suppliers have become more complex due to sanctions-related restrictions and concerns among financial institutions about secondary sanctions. He added that these factors have slowed payment processing and complicated procurement procedures.
Alternative sourcing across Bulgaria and EU suppliers
To address these risks, NPP Kozloduy has been expanding its network of alternative suppliers. A growing portion of equipment, valves, and technical components is now sourced from Bulgarian manufacturers and companies across the European Union. The utility is also exploring substitute suppliers for specialized membrane systems and other critical equipment.
