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Rosatom extends Bulgaria's main nuclear power plant's service for 30 years

Kozloduy facility is the only nuclear power plant in Bulgaria and main producer of electric power in the country

KOZLODUY, October 25. /TASS/. The consortium of affiliates of Russian nuclear corporation Rosatom and France’s EDF completed work on justification of extending the service life of power unit No. 5 of Kozloduy Nuclear Power Plant (NPP) in Bulgaria by 30 years, TASS reports on Tuesday from the ceremony dedicated to work completion.

The event was attended by Bulgaria’s Energy Minister Temenuzhka Petkova and First Deputy Chief Executive of Rosatom Kirill Komarov. "This is a highly important project for us because we pretty well understand importance of the role operating power units of Kozloduy NPP are playing for Bulgaria and we are glad we can contribute to provision of energy stability in this country," Komarov said. 

Rosatom is prepared to unmothball the equipment manufactured for Bulgaria’s suspended Belene nuclear power plant project for inspection, Komarov told the media.

"We will be prepared to unmothball it (the equipment), if need be, as soon as we get a request from the customer," Komarov said, adding that this would entail extra costs.

"The National Electric Company is now to make up its mind as to how to hold the inspection. We will be prepared for any action on this issue," Komarov said.

"We are grateful for Bulgaria’s efforts to settle the situation. A court of arbitration has pronounced its verdict and it is to be acted on. But we are certain that the incident that has taken place is over now and that it will not hinder further cooperation in the nuclear power sphere. Today’s event is a confirmation of partnership," Komarov said.

Bulgaria intends to pay the debt to Russia’s Rusatom under the claim for Belene Nuclear Power Plant by mid-December 2016, Temenuzhka Petkova assured:

"Considering importance of payment, particularly considering that 167,000 euros accrue daily on the debt amount."

"We are assured the matter is considered on a priority basis; I am confident we will definitely pay by mid-December," Petkova added.

Bulgarian energy company approached international arbitration with a request to adjust timeframe for paying a fine on its debt, she said.

"NEK approached international arbitration request adjustment of interest under the action [filed by Rosatom’s affiliate Atomstroiexport - TASS]. Our partners in Atomstroiexport accepted four out of seven requests for adjustment. Both parties are waiting for a revised text of the arbitration award. Negotiations are underway on conditions and timeframe to make such payments," Petkova said.

The arbitration court under the International Chamber of Commerce in Geneva made a decision in favor of Russia’s Atomstroiexport [affiliate of Rosatom - TASS] in the dispute with Bulgaria’s NEK on termination of Belene nuclear power plant project, Russian nuclear corporation Rosatom said on June 16. The court ordered to reimburse damages of 620 mln euro to Atomstroiexport.

The court satisfied main claims of Atomstroiexport on payment for completed work and ordered expenses. The decision made by the court under the International Chamber of Commerce is final.

Sofia refused to build the Belene Nuclear Power Plant in 2012. Atomstroiexport was contracted to construct the power plant under the contract signed in 2006.

Kozloduy NPP is the only nuclear power plant in Bulgaria and main producer of electric power in the country.