The operational status of Unit 6 at Bulgaria’s Kozloduy Nuclear Power Plant (NPP) has been temporarily suspended to facilitate essential maintenance work. This intervention, which began on March 3, involves the replacement of protective membrane components within the turbine system’s moisture separator reheaters, located in the conventional section of the unit. Such maintenance is critical to ensuring the reliability and efficiency of the plant’s operations.
The replacement components are manufactured from materials identical to those originally used, ensuring consistency in quality and performance. Independent laboratory analyses have confirmed that these new membrane devices meet all relevant safety and quality standards. Following the completion of these maintenance procedures, Unit 6 is anticipated to resume electricity generation and reconnect to Bulgaria’s national transmission network.
In a recent statement, Ivan Andreev, CEO of NPP Kozloduy, discussed the financial repercussions stemming from two unplanned outages of Unit 6 that took place in December 2025 and February 2026. The unrealized revenue due to electricity not produced during these outages is estimated at approximately 9 million euros. However, Andreev clarified that this figure should not be viewed as a direct financial loss. Adjustments to the unit’s annual maintenance schedule are expected to mitigate some of this shortfall.
This scheduled maintenance and its associated financial considerations highlight the ongoing challenges faced by energy producers in maintaining operational efficiency while managing unexpected disruptions. As Bulgaria continues to rely heavily on nuclear power for its energy needs, ensuring the reliability of facilities like Kozloduy will remain a priority for both operational management and regulatory oversight.
