Tender for construction of new units at Kozloduy NPP: Hyundai E&C as favorite

In recent years, Bulgaria’s energy sector has been on the cusp of an important transformation. One of the country’s largest energy projects is the modernization and expansion of capacity at the Kozloduy nuclear power plant. A step forward is expected to come with the current tender for the construction of two new reactors using Westinghouse AP1000 technology. The main focus is now on the frontrunner in the tender – South Korea’s Hyundai Engineering & Construction.

Hyundai Engineering & Construction appears to be the leading candidate among five companies that expressed interest in delivering the project for two new AP1000 reactors at the Kozloduy nuclear power plant. In addition to Hyundai E&C, the original list of interested parties also included Fluor BV, Bechtel Nuclear Power Company Limited, a consortium led by China National Nuclear Corporation, and China Energy Engineering Corporation Limited. The selection committee, representing the project company Kozloduy NPP - New Builds Plc, has now selected Hyundai E&C as the only candidate meeting all the requirements to advance to the next stage of the process.

Criteria for selecting the contractor

The process of selecting a suitable project contractor focused on demonstrating the ability to deliver the project from engineering and construction through to commissioning. Specifically, candidates were required to have experience building and commissioning at least two nuclear units, including extensive experience with nuclear and turbine islands (the primary and secondary circuits). Another key factor was the company’s financial stability, with a requirement for turnover and profit of at least USD 6 billion (approx. CZK 152 billion) over a five-year period. Candidates from the Russian Federation were excluded from the process.

Now that Hyundai E&C has advanced to the next stage, it is expected to submit a bid that will inform the final decision on whether to begin construction of the two new AP1000 reactors.

The future of Kozloduy NPP and Bulgaria’s energy sector

Bulgaria wants to expand capacity at the Kozloduy nuclear power plant by adding two new units, which would increase the plant’s installed capacity by 2300 MWe. This step is part of the country’s broader strategy to diversify and secure its energy sources. The history of Kozloduy NPP is also important: older units 1-4 were permanently shut down as part of the country’s accession to the EU, while units 5 and 6 have undergone extensive modernizations. With the first AP1000 reactor targeted for completion in 2033 and the second several years later, Bulgaria is preparing for an energy future that will rely to a large extent on nuclear power.

The Kozloduy nuclear power plant expansion project is a key step in Bulgaria’s energy strategy, bringing not only challenges but also opportunities to secure and diversify the country’s energy sources. And according to the latest reports, Hyundai Engineering & Construction’s involvement looks set to open a new chapter in the history of Bulgaria’s energy sector, with the country hoping to move towards a more efficient, secure and sustainable energy mix.