The engineering contract for new capacity at the Kozlodui nuclear power plant is crucial and a priority for the interim government, Bulgarian interim Prime Minister Dimitar Glavchev said at the contract signing ceremony at the Council of Ministers on Monday.

“Bulgaria has over 50 years of experience in building nuclear facilities, dating back to the establishment of the Kozlodui nuclear power plant. The signing of the contract will lead to the realization of a project that is based on Bulgaria’s expertise in this field and will contribute to independence, diversification and stability of nuclear energy in Bulgaria and in South-Eastern Europe. We are convinced that this is the right way,” said Glavchev, quoted by Agerpres and BTA.

“We are happy to be together with Westinghouse and Hyundai, because they are undisputed leaders in this field, and we prefer to work with such investors who are absolutely transparent, with proven international expertise,” the Bulgarian Prime Minister said.

He also mentioned the fact that, recently, there has been “a renaissance” in the field of nuclear energy, because this is a proven way towards zero carbon emissions and green development, which are European objectives.

Glavchev recalled that 15 years ago, as a new member of the Parliament, he was involved in the first discussions with Westinghouse in Bulgaria. The prime minister expressed his confidence in the huge success of this project, because he knows well that all participants will do their best, and the guarantees offered by Bulgaria will be at the maximum level.