The Republic of Bulgaria pursues a transparent energy policy in respect to the national and public interest. The country's energy policy aims to promote market principles in the energy sector, guarantee energy independence, develop sustainable energy, and use of energy and energy resources efficiently. Meeting national needs for electricity and heat, the main goals of Bulgaria’s energy policy are

• maintaining a secure, stable and reliable energy system;

• diversification of gas supply sources and routes;

• modernization and expansion of gas transmission infrastructure;

• overcoming import dependency of energy resources through the use of local resources (including coal);

• modernization and expansion of energy transmission infrastructure;

• development of nuclear energy in accordance with the current requirements for reliability, safety and economy;

• improving energy efficiency and increasing the use of renewable energy in gross final energy consumption;

• active participation of the country in building a more unified, stable European energy market;

• developing a competitive energy market and policies aimed at meeting energy needs and protecting consumer interests;

• ensuring equal access to the network for users, with clear and non-discriminatory rules;

• achieving a balance between energy quantity, quality and price for end users.

The country's energy policy pursues the main goals of the European Union's energy policy, namely security of supply, competitiveness and sustainability, while respecting the five interconnected dimensions of the Energy Union: energy security,; the internal energy market; energy efficiency contributing to limiting consumption; decarbonisation of the economy and research, innovation and competitiveness.

Bulgarian Energy Holding EAD (BEH) is the holding company that comprises of a group of companies which principally operate in the field of generation, supply and transmission of electricity and the transmission, supply and storage of natural gas and coal. The company is 100% owned by the Bulgarian government and it is the largest state-owned company in the country on the basis of owned assets.

1.1.2.1. Coal mining

1.1.2.2. Natural gas

1.1.2.3. Oil and oil products

1.1.2.4 Energy reserves

TABLE 2. ENERGY STATISTICS

Source: National Statistical Institute.

* Latest available data.

** Energy consumption = primary production + recovered & recycled products + imports - exports - international marine bunkers + stock changes.

*** Solid fuels include coal, lignite, coke oven coke and coal briquettes.

The Ministry of Energy is responsible for the management, coordination and control of the implementation of the energy policy of the country.

The regulation of activities in the energy sector is carried out by the Energy and Water Regulatory Commission (EWRC), an independent, specialized state body and a legal entity. The EWRC reports on its activities to the National Assembly. The electricity market in Bulgaria is regulated by the Electricity Trading Rules (ETR), which are adopted by the EWRC. The ETR is secondary legislation of the Energy Act. All participants in the electricity market are required to comply with the provisions of the Energy Act and the ETR.

The operational management in the power sector is carried out by the Electricity System Operator EAD (ESO), which was established as a subsidiary of the National Electric Company EAD (NEK) in 2007. On 4 February 2014, the final phase of the separation process between NEK and ESO was finalized, according to the requirements of the third liberalization package. This was the last step in meeting the requirements of national legislation and Directive 2009/72/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 13 July 2009 concerning common rules for the internal market in electricity and repealing Directive 2003/54/EC [2].

ESO implements the single operational planning, coordination and management of the electricity system of Bulgaria and the joint operation of the power system with the power systems of other countries, and ensures the operation, maintenance and reliability of the grid, maintenance of auxiliary grids, as well as repair works and services in the power sector. The company transmits electricity on the national network.

In accordance with the goals set in the Energy Strategy of the Republic of Bulgaria until 2020 and in connection with the commitments of the country arising from its membership to the EU in 2012, amendments and supplements of the Energy Law were adopted, which transposed Directive 2009/72 /EC on the internal electricity market. This law and the adoption of the secondary legislation created the conditions for the development of the electricity sector and its market liberalization in accordance with the requirements set forth in the EU's Third Energy Liberalization Package. The separation and certification of the transmission system operator—ESO EAD—was performed following the model of an Independent Transmission Operator. The scope of end customers eligible to participate in the regulated market was limited to low voltage domestic and non-domestic customers. The activity of suppliers of last resort was regulated and licenses for this activity were issued.

Following this, the necessary regulatory framework for the functioning of the balancing energy market was created. On January 19, 2016, the day-ahead market (DAM) segment and the centralized market for bilateral contracts were launched, and in April 2018, the intraday-day market segment of the Bulgarian Independent Energy Exchange EAD (IBEX) was initiated. IBEX's primary task is to create and operate an exchange market for electricity. The Bulgarian Electricity Exchange also implements European policy for the integration of national markets and the creation of well-functioning regional markets, and subsequently a common European market. As a result of legal changes from the beginning of 2018, all electricity produced for the free market is traded solely on IBEX's trading platforms.

Following the approval and introduction of Standardized Freight Profiles on 1 April 2016 by the EWRC, low voltage residential and non-residential customers have not only the right but are also able to actually change their electricity supplier and conclude transactions at freely negotiated prices. However, the regulated market segment is still significant, accounting for around 40% of net electricity generation. In this segment, electricity prices are regulated throughout the entire chain: from production to the final consumption through the public supplier NEK EAD, acting as a sole buyer for this market segment. With regard to transmission capacities (in particular of cross-sections), ESO EAD implements the requirements of the Third Energy Package by signing agreements with neighbouring operators for the auctioning process according to Regulation (EC) No 714/2009 and the relevant Network codes (incl. Capacity Allocation & Congestion Management).

In addition to ensuring the security of Bulgaria's electricity system operation under normal and refurbishment schemes, it is also seeking to increase cross-border electricity exchange capacities with the countries of Southeast Europe, in order to comply with Article 16, point 8 of Regulation (EU) 2019/943 on the internal market of electricity. This provision requires that by 31.12.2025 the system operators make available to the participants in the electricity market an interconnection capacity of at least 70% of the transmission capacity, while respecting operational safety boundaries.

The Energy Strategy of the Republic of Bulgaria till 2020 [1] is a fundamental document of the national energy policy that was approved by the Council of Ministers and passed by the National Assembly.

The full text is available at https://www.me.government.bg/bg/themes/energiina-strategiya-na-republika-balgariya-do-2020-g-147-295.html

Bulgaria has a diversified electricity mix, including nuclear and thermal power plants and renewable energy sources (water, wind, solar and biomass). The National Electric Company EAD (NE?) is a single-owner joint stock company. The owner of the capital of NEK EAD is Bulgarian Energy Holding. NEK carries out licensed activities for the production of electricity from hydropower and hydroelectric power plants, the supply of electricity to consumers connected to the transmission network and to the final suppliers of electricity. It is also party to long-term bilateral contracts for purchase of electricity.

Electricity System Operator EAD (ESO) carries out unified operational planning, coordination and management of the electric power system of Bulgaria, performs the joint work of the electric power system with the electricity systems of other countries, ensures the operation, maintenance and reliable functioning of the electricity transmission network, and performs the maintenance of the auxiliary network as well as energy related refurbishments and services. The company transmits electricity through the national grid and to third countries. As a member at the European Network of Transmission System Operators for Electricity (ENTSO-E) and as a major partner in the Balkan region, ESO EAD seeks to increase not only transmission reliability but also cost-effectiveness in asset management by introducing and using the latest planning, maintenance and monitoring methods. ESO EAD is certified as an independent transmission operator.

IBEX was established in January 2014 as a 100% subsidiary of the Bulgarian Energy Holding EAD. IBEX holds a 10-year license issued by the Energy and Water Regulatory Commission for ‘organisation of the electricity market’ in the Republic of Bulgaria.

IBEX is a full member of MRC (Multi-Regional Coupling), which is the largest union of market zones in the EU, as well as an associate member of Price Coupling of Regions (PCR) working on the realisation of a common energy market in the EU. As of January 2016, IBEX is a full member of the Association of European Energy Exchanges (Europex). IBEX's efforts are fully focused on providing a reliable, transparent and competitive trading platform for electricity that enables trading participants to enter into market-based transactions through a variety of products. To this end, IBEX offers day-ahead market segment, a centralized market for the purchase and sale of electricity through bilateral contracts through auctions, continuous treading, hourly products screens, and since 2018 the intra-day market segment.

As of 19 March 2018, the sole owner of the capital of the company is Bulgarian Stock Exchange - Sofia AD (BSE).

The electricity distribution is carried out by regional companies—electricity distribution network operators:

- Elektrorazpredelenie Sever AD was called Northeast Bulgaria ENERGO-PRO Networks AD but as of 30 January 2018, the electricity distribution company in changed its name to Elektrorazpredelenie Sever AD. It continues to be part of the group of companies under ENERGO-PRO. The licensed territory of Elektrorazpredelenie Sever AD is approximately 30,000 square km in size and covers 9 administrative districts in Northeast Bulgaria;

- CEZ Distribution Bulgaria AD is a joint-stock company with shares distributed as follows: 67% owned by the majority shareholder CEZ, a.s., Czech Republic and 33% owned by various minority shareholders (legal entities and individuals). The territory in which the company operates is Western Bulgaria;

- Elektrorazpredelenie Yug EAD (EP Yug) is the electricity distribution company in Southeaster Bulgaria, which was known as EVN Bulgaria Electricity Distribution until May 2017. EP Yug holds a license for electricity distribution in nine districts.

- Elektrorazpredelenie Golden Sands AD currently has a license for electricity distribution No ?-142-07/13.08.2004 issued by the EWRC.

The gross electricity generation in 2019 was 44.3 TWh, 5.2% less than the generation in 2018. There was an increase in the generation of energy by the NPP units (+2.7%), factory power plants (+1.4%) and heat production or supply power plants (+7.3%). There was a decrease in gross electricity generation by Thermal Power Plant (–6.3%), renewable energy sources (-21.7%) and pumped storage hydro power plants (-29.6%) in 2019 compared to 2018.

The structure of electricity generation is dominated by thermal power plants using coal, followed by the Kozloduy NPP. Major sources for the electricity generation are local coal and nuclear fuel (see Fig. 2).

FIG. 2. Structure of gross electricity generation by fuel.

The share of local energy resources in electricity generation in 2019 was 88.1%, while the share of imported resources was 11.9%,where nuclear energy is reported as a local energy resource.

Gross domestic electricity consumption in 2019 was 38.4 TWh, a decrease of 1.1% compared to 2018.

Electricity generation from renewable energy sources accounted for 15.0% of gross domestic energy consumption in 2019.

Final consumption of electricity in 2019 amounted to 31.1TWh, or 0.6% less than in 2018, including for industrial and the public sectors.

Detailed information about the electric power sector is available from the Bulletin on the State and Development of the Energy Sector in the Republic of Bulgaria at the Ministry of Energy web site: www.me.government.bg

TABLE 3. INSTALLED CAPACITY ELECTRICITY PRODUCTION AND CONSUMPTION

Source: National Statistical Institute.

* Latest available data.

** Electricity distribution losses are not deducted.

TABLE 4. ENERGY RELATED RATIOS

Source: National Statistical Institute.

* Latest available data.

The beginning of the nuclear programme in Bulgaria was set after the Geneva conference based on the ‘atoms for peace’ premise and has remained the preferred strategy of the political leadership ever since.

The first step in peaceful use was the construction and commissioning of the IRT-2000 research reactor and a programme for nuclear applications and scientific research. The reactor was commissioned in 1961 and shut down with an order issued by the State Committee on the Use of Atomic Energy for Peaceful Purposes (CUAEPP) in 1989. In 1999, it was permanently shut down based on a Council of Ministers’ decree.

In 1966, an agreement with the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics was signed for the procurement of commercial reactors for electricity generation. This agreement set the foundations of the Bulgarian nuclear power programme.

The first two units at the Kozloduy NPP, the WWER-440/230 model, were put into operation in 1974 and 1975 respectively. These two units were permanently shut down at the end of 2002 based on a Council of Ministers’ decree. In 2010, the Nuclear Regulatory Agency (NRA) issued to the State Enterprise Radioactive Waste (SERAW) licences for operation of Units 1 and 2 as facilities for radioactive waste management, followed by decommissioning licences in 2014.

Completion of construction works and subsequent connection to the grid of the Kozloduy NPP Units 3 and 4 took place in 1980 and 1982 respectively. The two units were permanently shut down at the end of 2006. In 2013, the NRA issued licences to the SERAW for their operation as facilities for radioactive waste management, followed by decommissioning licences, in 2016.

An increase in electricity demand resulted in the construction of another two 1000 MW units at the Kozloduy NPP, Units 5 and 6, which were commissioned in 1987 and 1991 respectively.

From 2014–2018, the Plant Lifetime Extension (PLEX) Project was completed. The project results demonstrated the units’ technical capabilities for long term operation — until 2047 for Unit 5 and 2051 for Unit 6, respectively. The NRA chairperson issued operating licences for Unit 5 in 2017 and for Unit 6 in 2019.

The two storage facilities for spent nuclear fuel from WWER reactors at the Kozloduy NPP site include wet storage and dry storage. The spent nuclear fuel facility for wet storage was commissioned in 1990. Later in 2016, the NRA issued a licence for operation of the dry storage facility.

A second site for construction of new nuclear units was selected in the early 1980s near the town of Belene. About 40% of construction works and 80% of equipment deliveries for the first unit were completed in 1991, when construction was suspended owing to lack of financial resources.

In 2002, the Government initiated preliminary studies on expansion of nuclear energy, leading to a decision to resume the Belene NPP Project. In 2005, the Council of Ministers issued a decision for construction of two 1000 MW units. The Council of Ministers’ decision about the Belene NPP Project was subsequently suspended in 2012. In 2018, the Minister of Energy was then assigned to explore possibilities regarding the construction of the Belene NPP. A facility for radioactive waste processing and storage was built in 2001 at the Kozloduy NPP site.

The project for the construction of a national disposal facility for radioactive waste is underway. This facility is intended for disposal of conditioned, short-lived, low and intermediate level waste from the nuclear facilities and nuclear applications. The Radiana site, selected for that purpose, is located in the vicinity of the Kozloduy NPP site.

FIG. 3. Institutions involved in the nuclear sector.

Bulgaria has solidified the institutional framework needed for the development and implementation of the National Programme on Use of Nuclear Energy and for effective state regulation and control. Responsibilities and functions are clearly defined and distributed among the various institutions as follows:

• The NRA is the national nuclear regulatory authority. It maintains the legislative and regulatory framework for the nuclear facilities and activities and conducts the licensing process and exercises regulatory control, including enforcement;

• The Ministry of Energy is responsible for state energy policy development and implementation. The Ministry develops and implements the national energy strategy and national strategy for management of spent nuclear fuel and radioactive waste;

• The EWRC performs independent control of generated electricity prices and issues licenses for generation of electricity and thermal energy;

• The Ministry of Health implements the state policy in the field of protection against the health risks due to ionizing radiation. Through its implementing bodies, the Ministry carries out responsibilities related to the state health control;

• The Ministry of Environment and Water manages the National System for Environmental Monitoring and is the competent authority for environmental impact assessments;

• The Ministry of Interior ensures the security of nuclear facilities in the area of physical protection. The Ministry, through the Fire Safety and Civil Protection General Directorate, coordinates the activities for protection of the public and the national economy in cases of disasters and emergencies;

• Kozloduy NPP is the operator of the only nuclear power plant in Bulgaria;

• SERAW was established under the Act on the Safe Use of Nuclear Energy (ASUNE). It is the national operator of radioactive waste management facilities and nuclear facilities under decommissioning;

Pursuant to Article 5 of ASUNE, coordination between the institutions is the responsibility of the NRA chairperson.

FIG. 4. Kozloduy NPP geographic location.

As of 2007, only the two 1000 MW units of Kozloduy NPP are in operation. In recent years, the Kozloduy NPP share in the Bulgarian electricity generation mix has ranged from 31% to 37.5%.

FIG. 5. Nuclear energy share in the Bulgarian electricity generation mix

Also in recent years, the gross electricity generation of the Kozloduy NPP two units has ranged between 15.5–16.6 million MWh.

The result of the Kozloduy NPP Units 5 and 6 modernisation programme, completed from 1998–2008, has served as the basis for continuing activities for preparation of the Ageing Management Programme for Long Term Operation (LTO). In 2009, a two stage Programme for Preparation of the Kozloduy NPP Units 5 and 6 LTO was developed:

1. Stage 1, from 2012 to 2014: Complex assessment and residual lifetime assessment of the equipment and facilities of Kozloduy NPP Units 5 and 6 — completed within the specified period.

2. Stage 2, from 2014 to 2018: Investment project for implementing the Kozloduy NPP Units 5 and 6 LTO Preparation Programme. The second stage of the Units 5 and 6 PLEX Project at the Kozloduy NPP was completed.

Based on the analyses and studies conducted, it was concluded that there are no constraints on the safe operation for the period of extended plant life until 2047 for Unit 5and until 2051 for Unit 6, allowing for renewal of the Kozloduy NPP Units 5 and 6 operating licences.

In accordance with the ASUNE, based on the application for licence renewal (including the periodic safety review results), the NRA issued a ten year operating licence for the Kozloduy NPP Unit 5 in 2017. Further, in 2019, the NRA issued a ten year operating licence for the Kozloduy NPP Unit 6.

The planned power uprate of Unit 6 was completed in 2017. Based on the permit issued by the NRA, Unit 6 has been consistently operated at 104%N_nom (3120 MW) thermal power since March 2018. The planned power uprate of Unit 5 was completed in 2019. Based on the permit issued by the NRA, Unit 5 has been consistently operated at 104%N_nom (3120 MW) thermal power since November 2019.

The Kozloduy NPP Units 1–4 are in the process of decommissioning. The units were shut down as pairs in 2002 and 2006, in conformity with commitments undertaken by Bulgaria during its accession to the European Union. Supervision of these units was transferred to SERAW. In 2014 and 2016, the NRA issued decommissioning licences for Units 1 and 2 and Units 3 and 4, respectively.

TABLE 6. STATUS OF DECOMMISSIONING PROCESS OF NUCLEAR POWER PLANTS

The decommissioning strategy for Units 1-4 is for immediate dismantling, with the target date for decommissioning activities to be completed by 2030.

According to the Act on the Safe Use of Nuclear Energy, a nuclear power plant shall be constructed by a decision of the Council of Ministers. A proposal for construction of a nuclear power plant shall be submitted by the Minister of Energy, accompanied by an assessment of:

1. nuclear safety and radiation protection, environmental impact and physical protection;

2. the socio-economic significance of the construction of a nuclear power plant for the entire country or for particular functional regions;

3. radioactive waste and spent nuclear fuel to be generated as a result of the operation of the nuclear power plant and radioactive waste and spent fuel management.

2.3.1.1. Belene NPP Project

On 22 May 2019, the call for the procedure to select a strategic investor for the Belene Nuclear Power Plant project was published in the Official Journal of the European Union. The call also gave an opportunity to declare interest in acquiring a minority shareholding in the project, and/or for purchasing electricity from the power plant.

Within the set deadline, 19 August 2019, thirteen companies submitted their applications. On 19 December 2019, a short list of candidates was published, to whom a call for binding tenders was submitted. The shortlisted companies included China National Nuclear Corporation (CNNC), Atomenergoprom AD as part of Rosatom, Korea Hydro-Nuclear Power, Framatom SAS, France and General Electric, USA. It is intended that negotiations will be initiated with the companies included in the shortlist to structure the Belene NPP project.

2.3.1.2. Kozloduy NPP–New Build

Detailed information about the Kozloduy NPP–New Build management and staffing, as well as the activities carried out by the company is available at https://npp-nb.bg/?page_id=1491&lang=en

TABLE 7. PLANNED NUCLEAR POWER PLANTS

Note: PWR — pressurized water reactor.

* —: data not available.

The Kozloduy NPP fuel cycle does not include the purchase of uranium, its conversion or enrichment, but only the purchase of fuel assemblies from the supplier, their interim storage at the plant site after being removed from reactor cores, spent fuel transport for reprocessing and further disposal of high level waste. Those activities are based on the agreement between Bulgaria and the Russian Federation as well as on commercial contracts for the supply of nuclear fuel and reprocessing of spent nuclear fuel.

In accordance with the European Energy Security Strategy [5], a study was conducted to explore options on diverse enriched uranium supplies for the manufacture of fuel assemblies as well as for identification of an alternative supplier of fuel assemblies.

The Kozloduy NPP has increased burnup and achieved a reduction of spent fuel generation during its transition to a four year fuel cycle. These design modifications have also lead to a decrease in the specific consumption of natural uranium. In 2016, the Kozloduy NPP made a transition to a modified fuel assembly which can reach higher burnup and has better performance. This transition will also lead to a further reduction of the generated spent nuclear fuel up to 12.5%.

The spent fuel is stored within the Kozloduy NPP site at the reactor spent fuel pools and two dedicated spent nuclear fuel storage facilities for wet storage and dry storage. Table 8 shows the spent fuel inventory.

TABLE 8. SPENT FUEL INVENTORY

From 2009–2019, 2632 spent fuel assemblies from WWER-440 were transported to the Russian Federation for reprocessing.

No fuel assemblies from WWER-1000 have been transported to the Russian Federation since 2008.

In 2018, Bulgaria started the process of updating the Strategy on Spent Fuel and Radioactive Waste Management until 2030 [3]. It envisions the transport of 50 tonnes of heavy metal per year for storage and reprocessing. This could be implemented in the presence of acceptable economic factors and international security, ensuring a safe transport route to the reprocessing plant.

The Kozloduy NPP is responsible for the management and operation of the Units 5 and 6 as well as the wet and dry storage facilities, including their pertaining auxiliary facilities and technological systems for collecting, processing, and storing radioactive waste.

The radioactive waste management activities are carried out on the basis of established administrative units of special statute, clearly defined functions and tasks and clear allocation of rights, obligations, and responsibilities of the two site operators, the Kozloduy NPP and SERAW. Within each production structural unit, a radioactive waste tracking system registers data regarding the characterisation of radioactive waste and inventories, overseeing intra-departmental compliance with the necessary regulations, procedures, instructions, programmes, schedules, and orders relating to the implementation of the radioactive waste management activities.

SERAW was established in 2004 under ASUNE to meet requirements under the state responsibility for the safe management of radioactive waste. SERAW is entrusted with management of the radioactive waste outside the site of their generation. The radioactive waste is assumed under state ownership from the time of its transfer to SERAW.

SERAW performs all the activities related to the whole life cycle of the radioactive waste management facilities, existing and planned. It is the operator of the Kozloduy NPP Units 1–4 under decommissioning. SERAW is structured in specialized divisions for radioactive waste management, as follows:

• Specialized Division “Radioactive Waste (RAW) Kozloduy”;

• Specialized Division “Permanent Repository for RAW – Novi Han”;

• SpecializedDivision “National Disposal Facility” for Low- and Intermediate-level radioactive waste under construction;

• Specialized Division “Decommissioning of Units 1–4”.

2.7.3.1. Specialized Division RAW Kozloduy

The Specialized Division RAW Kozloduy is located on the site of the Kozloduy NPP and processes the radioactive waste generated from operation of the plant. It consists of:

• A radioactive waste processing facility to handle solid and liquid radioactive waste and installation for decontamination of metal radioactive waste;

• Storage for conditioned radioactive waste;

• Site for interim storage of very low level solid radioactive waste.

The facility is suited for all radioactive waste from nuclear applications.

2.7.3.2. Specialized Division Permanent Repository for RAW – Novi Han

2.7.3.3. Specialized Division National Disposal Facility for Low and Intermediate RAW

2.7.3.4. Specialized Division Decommissioning of Units 1–4

Clearance of radioactive material resulting from licensed activities which are intended for disposal, reuse or recycling is subject to ASUNE and is based on an order from the NRA chairperson. The process is initiated upon submittal by the licensee or permit holder of documents verifying the compliance with the free release criteria, according to the Radiation Protection Regulation of 2018, adhering to the following:

• The expected annual effective dose of any member of the public does not exceed 10 µSv;

• The expected annual effective dose of any member of the public for a low probability scenario does not exceed 1 mSv.

R&D organizations include:

• Sofia University (www.uni-sofia.bg): Faculty of Physics and Faculty of Chemistry and Pharmacy;

• Institute for Nuclear Research and Nuclear Energy (http://www.inrne.bas.bg);

Technical University, Sofia: Faculty of Power Engineering and Power Machines (www.tu-sofia.bg/faculties/read/16). The Faculty of Power Engineering and Power Machines is a leading factor in the preparation of engineers in the sphere of thermal engineering, nuclear engineering, energy efficiency, renewable sources of energy, hydraulics, and pneumatics and textile technology. Four departments are involved in the educational process:

• Department of Thermal Power Engineering and Nuclear Power Engineering;

• Department of Thermal and Refrigeration Engineering;

• Department of Hydroaerodynamics and Hydraulic Machines;

• Department of Textiles.

Not applicable.

As a Member State of the European Union and the IAEA, Bulgaria supports and participates in various international programmes, including: the International Project on Innovative Nuclear Reactors and Fuel Cycles (INPRO); ITER (‘International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor’); the Global Nuclear Energy Partnership (GNEP); the International Framework for Nuclear Energy Cooperation (IFNEC); the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG); and the Zangger Committee.

Bulgaria is a member of international conventions and treaties listed in Appendix I.

Bulgaria has bilateral and multilateral international agreements for information exchange with all neighbouring states and general cooperation agreements with other countries that have a substantial nuclear energy programme (see Appendix I).

The NRA is a member of:

• European Nuclear Safety Regulators Group (ENSREG);

• Forum of the State Nuclear Safety Authorities of the Countries Operating WWER Type Reactors;

• Western European Nuclear Regulators Association (WENRA);

• European Nuclear Security Regulators’ Association (ESRA) as an observer;

• Heads of the European Radiological Protection Competent Authorities (HERCA).

Kozloduy NPP is an active member of the global nuclear community, including:

• World Association of Nuclear Operators (WANO);

• IAEA;

• European Atomic Forum (FORATOM);

• European Nuclear Installations Safety Standards (ENISS);

• European Nuclear Society (ENS).

The Bulgarian Nuclear Society is a member of ENS and the Bulgarian Atomic Forum is a member of FORATOM – the association of the European nuclear industry.

Bulgarian scientists take part in research activities organized by international organizations, such as:

• Nuclear Energy Agency (within OECD);

• Joint Research Centre;

• European Organization for Nuclear Research or CERN;

• Joint Institute for Nuclear Research (Dubna, Russian Federation).

As an EU Member State, Bulgaria and its management and regulatory institutions take all necessary actions to ensure that the general public is aware of the management of NPPs, spent fuel and radioactive waste. Accessibility of information is part of the main objective to achieve transparency in the management of NPPs and radioactive waste. It reflects the requirements and the framework of national legislation and international obligations of the country. Ensuring publicity for stakeholders enables them to participate in the decision making process and creates the necessary confidence in regulatory institutions. This is achieved by implementing a communication strategy and using different channels of communication.

With respect to public involvement, as a part of the licensing procedure for each nuclear institution within the Council Directive 2009/71/Euratom of 25 June 2009 establishing a Community framework for the nuclear safety of nuclear installations [6], a summary of the content submitted by the applicant documents is made public on the NRA web site.

According to ASUNE, the NRA keeps public registers with all licences and permits, as well as any modification, renewal, termination and revocation; certificates or registration and individual licences, as well as any termination and revocation.

Bulgaria follows a proactive approach to media interactions, with the Government and the Kozloduy NPP providing information to the public. The frequency of communication and news conferences depends on the information needs and the particular occasion.

The national regulatory authority for the safe use of nuclear energy is the NRA. The legal framework is provided in ASUNE, in force since July 2002.

State regulation of the safe use of nuclear energy and ionizing radiation, the safety of radioactive waste management and the safety of spent fuel management is implemented by the NRA chairperson, who is an independent, specialized authority of the executive power.

The functions of the NRA are effectively separate from those of the bodies and organizations involved in the promotion or use of nuclear technology.

The NRA chairperson has the powers to: grant, amend, supplement, renew, suspend and revoke licences and permits; control the fulfilment of safety requirements and standards; undertake enforcement measures and impose administrative penalties; implement the interactions with other competent authorities; implement the international cooperation of Bulgaria in the field; organize and coordinate implementation of the obligations of Bulgaria arising from the international agreements (for more information, see www.bnra.bg).

Based on a written application by the applicant, the NRA chairperson issues authorizations for the use of nuclear energy. ASUNE specifies the conditions, order, terms and time limits for the issuance of licences and permits. The authorization process for a nuclear facility is a multistep process. ASUNE requires authorization for the following:

• Permit for siting;

• Order for the approval of the selected site;

• Design permit;

• Design approval order;

• Construction permit;

• Commissioning permit;

• Operating licence;

• Licence for decommissioning.

A Council of Minister’s decision for the construction of a new nuclear facility is a prerequisite to issue the permit ahead of site selection. Along with the other requirements, it is important for the applicant to prove financial, technical and organizational capacity and availability of necessary human resources to carry out the activity before the start of a project.

In terms of the requirements for submission of documents, the applicant is to prepare a conceptual description of the nuclear facility, the terms of reference for preliminary investigations, and a description of the management system for carrying out the activity.

The order for approval of the selected site should be issued after the completion of all necessary evaluations. It is required that several sites be investigated and compared. The results have to be integrated into the documentation submitted to the NRA. The essential submissions include the preliminary safety analysis report, programmes for site monitoring and programmes for additional site investigations.

ASUNE provides for the possibility of combining the licensing procedures. Such an approach arises from the fact that the licensing process is a step by step approach and the procedure should follow a tight time schedule with clear deadlines. The purpose behind this is also to guarantee that the licensing process is flexible and balanced.

The NRA is legally entitled to issue the design permit before finalizing the procedure for issuing the order to approve the selected site. The combination of the procedures can be allowed on the condition that the design basis of the facility is determined and basic characteristics of the site are examined.

The technical design of the facility is approved by an order from the NRA chairperson, taking into account the intermediate safety analysis report. This is the key milestone to receiving a commissioning and operating licence. It is essential to determine whether the characteristics of the selected site are sufficiently taken into account, and whether measures have been taken to ensure consistent application of the defence in depth concept.

The final step of the procedure is the issuance of a decommissioning licence. The decommissioning of the nuclear facility has to be performed after the final termination of its operation and aims at removing the ionizing radiation sources subject to regulatory control from the site. Such a licence should be issued on the basis of initial, intermediate and final decommissioning plan. Licences are valid for a maximum of ten years.