The energy policy aims to establish the requirements for ensuring sustainable economic growth and raising national living standards. The National Assembly adopted the Energy Strategy of the Republic of Bulgaria till 2020 [1] upon proposal of the Council of Ministers, setting the main objectives, stages, resources and methods for energy development (Decision dated 1 June 2011 and promulgated in the State Gazette issue 43/07.06.2011).

The main goals are:

• Energy efficiency improvement;

• Sustainable development through combating the negative effects of climate change;

• Security of supplies by limiting the Bulgarian external dependence on imported energy sources and providing diversification to the energy mix;

• Development of the national energy system and energy market as a part of the Union for the Coordination of the Transmission of Electricity (UCTE);

• Maintaining the high level of nuclear safety already achieved;

• Establishment of a competitive domestic energy market.

The Bulgarian energy sector is a steady, functioning system, which adapts to the market conditions of the economy. Before 2008, Bulgarian electricity production facilities provided energy to cover a great portion of the energy deficiency in the Balkan region. After the shutdown of Kozloduy NPP Units 3 and 4, an electric power deficit created serious negative consequences not only for Bulgaria but for the security of energy supply for the region.

The share of imported energy resources for general primary energy resource consumption is 49.8% for Bulgaria, compared to 52.7% for the EU-15 in 2007 (comprising Austria Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, Sweden and United Kingdom).

The energy sector is a determinative section of the industry in Bulgaria, especially taking into account its structure and development, which is based predominantly on imported energy sources and domestic, low quality lignite coal. Moreover, the development of the sector is highly dependent on the geopolitical factors in the Balkan region and Europe. Under these circumstances, Bulgaria unambiguously seeks to conform to the priorities of the European Union and take the necessary steps for technical and political integration within these structures.

As a country with limited energy resources, the basis of energy sources is well balanced, using solid fuel, nuclear power, natural gas, hydro resources, and solar and wind energy sources.

In 2008, Bulgarian Energy Holding (BEH) was established by the Minister of Economy and Energy with a focus on: (i) the acquisition, management, evaluation and sale of shares in companies; and (ii) carrying out business activities in the areas of production, extraction, transmission, transit, storage, management, distribution, sale or purchase of natural gas, coal, electricity, heat and other forms of energy and raw materials.

BEH is a shareholding company with the State as owner at 100%. In turn, BEH owns 100% of the share capital of the following public limited companies: Maritsa Iztok Mines; TPP Maritsa Iztok 2; Kozloduy NPP; National Electricity Company (NEK); Electricity System Operator (ESO); Independent Bulgarian Energy Exchange (IBEX); Bulgargaz; Bulgartransgaz; and Bulgartel. All these companies, brought together in the holding structure, preserve their operational independence and licences, as they are all owned and directly subordinate to the corporate centre, BEH.

1.1.2.1. Coal mining

1.1.2.2. Natural gas

1.1.2.3. Oil and oil products

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 the 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 ESO, which was established as a subsidiary of 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 transits electricity on the national network and organizes a market for electricity.

Another major participant in the electricity market in the country is IBEX, which was established in January 2014, is wholly owned by BEH and is a full member of Multi-Regional Coupling. Since January 2016, IBEX has also been a full member of the Europex Association of European Energy Exchanges. As of 2018, the Bulgarian Stock Exchange is the sole owner of the capital of IBEX, which provides a reliable, transparent and competitive electricity trading platform that enables trading participants to enter into market deals through a variety of products.

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. It reflects the political vision of the Citizens for European Development of Bulgaria party pursuant to the up to date European energy policy framework and global trends in the development of energy technologies. The full text is available at www.mi.government.bg/files/useruploads/files/epsp/23_energy_strategy2020%D0%95ng_.pdf

Bulgaria has a diverse electricity generation mix, including nuclear, thermal and renewable energy source (hydro, wind, solar and biomass) power plants.

Electricity is generated by energy companies licensed for generation according to the procedure established by the Energy Act. A licence is not required for:

1. Production of electric energy by an entity possessing a power plant with total installed electric capacity up to 5 MW;

2. Production of heat energy by an entity possessing a power plant with total installed heat capacity up to 10 MW;

3. Transmission of heat energy by an entity possessing a heat transmission network to which power plants with total installed capacity up to 10 MW are connected;

4. Production of heat energy for the entity’s use only;

5. Production of electric energy for the entity’s use only.

Electricity producers are obligated to maintain stocks of fuels, including local hard fuels, in quantities guaranteeing sustained and reliable generation. The terms and procedures for the building, maintenance of stocks of fuel and control are established by an ordinance of the Minister of Energy.

NEK is a subsidiary of BEH, which carries out licensed activities in:

• Transmission, electricity generation from hydropower plants and pumped storage hydroelectric power plants (2713 MW);

• Public supply of electric power;

• Supply of electric power from a supplier of last resort to consumers, connection to the power transmission system or to the MV power distribution network that have not selected another electricity supplier or the selected supplier does not deliver for reasons beyond the control of the customer;

• Electricity trade.

In fulfilment of the requirements of the Third Energy Liberalization Package, introduced in the country with amendments to the Energy Act of 2012, ESO, together with the transmission assets, is to separate from NEK and the two companies will remain in the structure of BEH.

ESO holds a certification for transmission of electric power and is the owner of the national power transmission grid.

IBEX holds a licence to operate the electricity exchange in Bulgaria for a period of ten years. IBEX was established in January 2014. In January 2016, IBEX launched a ‘day ahead’ market, allowing customers to sell or buy energy for the next 24 hours in a closed auction.

The distribution of electricity on the regulated market is performed by regional companies — operators of the electricity distribution network — ENERGO-PRO Grid (south-east Bulgaria) and CEZ Distribution Bulgaria (west Bulgaria) with majority shareholders respectively at Energo-Pro, Czech Republic, and CEZ, Czech Republic. EVN Bulgaria Distribution operates in south-west Bulgaria, and its major shareholder is EVN AG, Austria. The end suppliers on the regulated market in the respective licensed territories are ENERGO-PRO Sales, CEZ Electro Bulgaria and EVN Bulgaria Electricity Supply.

The Bulgarian energy market has been fully liberalized since 2007, which means that each user has a legal right to choose a provider and has free and fair access to the network for transmission of electricity to the place of consumption. A market based model is implemented based on regulated third party access to the electricity transmission network, where transactions are concluded through direct bilateral contracts between producers or traders and consumers, and where insufficient quantities are purchased and the surplus under bilateral contracts is sold in the balancing market. During the transition period of gradual liberalization, in parallel with the free segment where prices are freely negotiated between the parties to the transactions that are subject to balancing, a segment subsists in which electricity transactions are concluded as per the EWRC regulated prices.

The gross electric power generation in 2017 was 45.5 TW·h, 0.8% more than generation in 2016. There was an increase in the generation of energy by TPP (+9.0%) and factory heat power plants (+1.9%). There was a decrease in gross electricity generation by NPPs (-1.5%), heat production and supply power plants (-5.3%), renewable energy sources (-11.8%) and pumped storage hydro power plants (-15.1%) in 2017 compared to 2016.

The structure of electric power generation is dominated by thermal power plants using coal, followed by Kozloduy NPP. Major sources for the generation of electric power 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 electric power generation in 2017 was 95.6%, imported resources was 4.4% (nuclear energy was reported as a local energy resource).

Gross domestic electricity consumption in 2017 was 40.0 TW·h, an increase of 3.2% compared to 2016.

Generation of electrical power from renewable energy sources accounted for 14.4% of gross domestic consumption of energy in 2017.

End consumption of electricity in 2017 amounted to 31.4 TW·h, or 3.9% more than in 2016, including 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.

** —: data not available.

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

The first step 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 from 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 laid down the foundations of the Bulgarian nuclear power programme.

The first two units at Kozloduy NPP, the WWER-440/230 model, were put into operation in 1974 and 1975, respectively. These 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 Kozloduy NPP Units 3 and 4 took place in 1980 and 1982, respectively. The two were permanently shut down at the end of 2006. In 2013, the NRA issued licences to 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 Kozloduy NPP Units 5 and 6, which were commissioned in 1987 and 1991, respectively.

In 2014–2018, the Plant Long Term Operation Project was completed. The project results have demonstrated the units’ technical capabilities for long term operation — until 2047 for Unit 5 and 2051 for Unit 6. In 2017, the NRA chairman issued an operating licence for Unit 5. The application for a ten year renewal of Unit 6 operating licence is under consideration by the NRA.

The two storage facilities for spent nuclear fuel from WWER reactors at the Kozloduy NPP site are for wet storage and dry storage. The wet storage of spent nuclear fuel was commissioned in 1990. 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 a lack of financial resources.

In 2002, the Government initiated preliminary studies, 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 assigned to again explore possibilities for 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 in place the institutional framework needed for the development and implementation of the National Programme on Use of Nuclear Energy and effecting 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, 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 implements the independent control of prices of the generated electricity, licence entities for generation of electricity and thermal energy.

• Ministry of Health implements the state policy in the field of protection against the health risks arising from the ionizing. Through its implementing bodies, the Ministry performs responsibilities related to 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 terms of physical protection. The Ministry, through the Fire Safety and Civil Protection General Directorate, coordinates the activities on the protection of population and 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 for radioactive waste management facilities and nuclear facilities under decommissioning.

Pursuant to Art. 5 of ASUNE, coordination between the institutions is the responsibility of the NRA chairman.

FIG. 4. Kozloduy NPP geographic location.

As of 2007, only the two 1000 MW units of Kozloduy NPP are in operation. The Kozloduy NPP share in the Bulgarian electricity generation mix in recent years has been 33–35%

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

In recent years, the gross electricity generation of the Kozloduy NPP two units has been 15.5–16.2 million MW·h.

The result of the modernization of Kozloduy NPP Units 5 and 6, completed during 1998–2008, has served as the basis for continuing activities for development 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 Plant LTO was developed:

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

2. Stage 2 from 2014–2018: 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 Kozloduy NPP were completed.

From the analyses and studies conducted, it was concluded that there are no constrains on the safe operation for the period of extended plant life until 2047 for Unit 5 and until 2051 for Unit 6, which is a basis for renewal of Kozloduy NPP Units 5 and 6 operating licences.

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

The Unit 6 operating licence renewal application, accompanied by a full set of reports (including the periodic safety review results) is under review by the BNRA.

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

Unit 5 is facing implementation of the Comprehensive Programme for Testing at Increased Thermal Power. It is expected that Unit 5 will be consistently operated at 104%N_nom thermal power in late 2019.

Kozloduy NPP Units 1–4 are in the process of decommissioning. The units were shut down 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 is for immediate dismantling and the decommissioning activities have to be completed to 2030.

According to the national nuclear law, a nuclear power plant can be built on the base of the Council of Ministers decision. The proposal for the new build is submitted by the Minister of Energy, accompanied by an assessment of:

• Nuclear safety and radiation protection analyses, environmental impact and physical protection analyses;

• The social and economic significance of the construction of a nuclear power plant for the country or for particular regions;

• Radioactive waste and spent nuclear fuel to be generated, as well as their management.

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 the 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 on the options for diversification of enriched uranium supplies for the manufacture of fuel assemblies as well as for identification of an alternative supplier of fuel assemblies.

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, 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%.

Spent fuel is stored at the Kozloduy NPP site at the reactor spent fuel pools and two spent nuclear fuel storage facilities (wet storage and dry storage). Table 8 shows the spent fuel inventory.

TABLE 8. SPENT FUEL INVENTORY

In 2009–2018, 2632 spent fuel assemblies from WWER-440 were transported to the Russian Federation for reprocessing. No fuel assemblies 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.

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

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 Kozloduy NPP and SERAW. Each production structural unit maintains a radioactive waste tracing system, which registers data regarding characterization of the radioactive waste and the inventories and oversights intradepartmental compliance with the 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 the requirement for the state responsibility in the safe management of the radioactive waste. SERAW is entrusted with management of the radioactive waste outside the site of their generation. The radioactive waste becomes state ownership from the time of its transfer to SERAW.

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

• Specialized Division RAW Kozloduy;

• Specialized Division Permanent Repository for RAW – Novi Han;

• Specialized Division National Disposal Facility for Low and Interim RAW;

• Specialized Division Decommissioning of Units 1–4.

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

• A radioactive waste processing facility, with lines for 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.

2.7.3.1. Specialized Division National Disposal Facility for Low and Interim RAW

2.7.3.2. 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 chairman. 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 (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 about information exchange with all neighbouring states and general cooperation agreements with other countries with a substantial nuclear 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 world 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:

• OECD Nuclear Energy Agency;

• Joint Research Centre;

• European Organization for Nuclear Research – CERN;

• Joint Institute for Nuclear Research – Dubna.

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 a part of the implementation of the main objective of achieving 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 meaning of 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 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 chairman, 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 chairman 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 chairman 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 chairman, 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.