- Bulgaria secures two USTDA grants to fund studies on radioactive waste management and small modular reactors (SMRs), advancing its nuclear energy sector.
- U.S. firm Deep Isolation partners with Bulgaria’s SERAW to explore deep drilling technology for safe nuclear waste storage over a kilometre underground.
- Bulgarian Energy Holding (BEH) collaborates with the U.S. to assess the feasibility of deploying SMRs, supporting Bulgaria’s clean energy transition.
Bulgaria has secured two vital grants from the U.S. Trade and Development Agency (USTDA) to advance its nuclear energy sector. These grants will fund studies on radioactive waste management and small modular reactors (SMRs), boosting Bulgaria’s energy goals and strengthening ties with the U.S.
The first grant supports a feasibility study for safely storing spent nuclear fuel. U.S. company Deep Isolation and Bulgaria’s State Enterprise for Radioactive Waste (SERAW) will collaborate on the project. They aim to explore deep drilling technology to bury waste over a kilometre underground. Sergey Tzochev from SERAW highlighted this partnership as a valuable step in managing nuclear waste with innovative solutions.
The second grant finances a study on the potential deployment of American-made SMRs in Bulgaria. In collaboration with Bulgarian Energy Holding (BEH), the study will assess reactor designs, identify potential sites, and outline a roadmap for their implementation. SMRs present a flexible and efficient nuclear option, which could fit into Bulgaria’s future energy plans.
Bulgaria includes these initiatives in its broader strategy to reduce coal reliance and transition to cleaner energy sources. The country plans to phase out coal by the end of the 2030s and continues expanding its Kozloduy nuclear plant with new AP1000 reactors. The USTDA-funded studies will help Bulgaria explore advanced nuclear technologies as part of its energy transition.
The growing energy cooperation between the U.S. and Bulgaria underscores their shared commitment to nuclear development. Through these projects, the U.S. promotes its nuclear technology in Europe, aligning with global efforts to enhance energy security and reduce carbon emissions.
Bulgaria’s energy strategy focuses on diversifying energy sources, cutting emissions, and bolstering energy security. Nuclear power plays a key role in this strategy, and the U.S.-backed studies will assist the country in exploring innovative atomic solutions. SMRs, in particular, offer smaller, more adaptable alternatives to traditional nuclear plants, making them a promising option for countries seeking to scale up nuclear capacity.
As Europe transitions toward renewable and low-carbon energy, Bulgaria views nuclear power as a stable, long-term source of clean energy. The USTDA grants enable the country to evaluate its nuclear options and consider integrating advanced technologies like SMRs.
These studies benefit Bulgaria and U.S. companies eager to expand their presence in the global nuclear market. Investing in research and feasibility studies, the U.S. positions its nuclear industry to play a key role in Europe’s energy future.
The U.S. and Bulgaria recognise the value of partnerships in achieving energy transition goals. As Bulgaria works to modernise its energy sector, the USTDA grants provide critical support in exploring new technologies and securing a sustainable nuclear future.
In summary, the U.S. grants mark a significant step in Bulgaria’s nuclear development, enabling the country to manage radioactive waste and explore next-generation reactors. This collaboration strengthens U.S.-Bulgaria ties and contributes to broader efforts toward clean, secure energy in Europe.