The U.S. and Bulgaria Expand Civil Nuclear Energy Partnership on Small Modular Reactors under the FIRST Program
- Tweet
Send to Kindle
@U.S. Embassy Sofia
The U.S. Department of State, the University of National and World Economy (UNWE), and Bulgarian Energy Holding (BEH) yesterday concluded two seminars on stakeholder engagement and industrial applications of small modular reactors (SMRs). Held under the Department of State’s Foundational Infrastructure for Responsible Use of Small Modular Reactor Technology (FIRST) program, the events convened BEH subsidiaries and other key Bulgarian partners.
Launched in 2019, the FIRST program is the flagship program for countries exploring nuclear energy potential, and SMRs in particular, to meet their energy needs under the highest security, safety, and nonproliferation standards. Harnessing American civil nuclear experience and infrastructure, the FIRST program empowers international partners to make responsible SMR deployment decisions for future reactor deployments.
Reflecting on the outcomes of the seminars, UNWE Director of the Nuclear Security Support Center Prof. Svetoslav Spassov noted the discussions demonstrated the importance of informed, institutional dialogue on complex energy issues.
“These seminars provided an important opportunity for Bulgaria’s public energy institutions and companies to engage in a structured, expert-level discussion on small modular reactor technologies. Universities have a key role in facilitating neutral, informed dialogue on these topics,” Prof. Spassov said.
H. Martin McDowell, Chargé d’Affaires at the U.S. Embassy in Bulgaria, highlighted the importance of the event for bilateral cooperation and expert exchange.
“Through the FIRST program, the United States is advancing transparent, informed discussions with our Bulgarian partners on civil nuclear energy under the highest international safety, security, and nonproliferation standards. These seminars will strengthen the technical understanding and engagement of Bulgaria’s state energy entities,” CDA McDowell said.
The seminars are part of ongoing U.S.-Bulgarian cooperation to enhance energy security, share international best practices, and support responsible approaches to emerging technologies.
Source: U.S. Embassy Sofia
Bulgaria’s Black Sea Gas Hunt: Han Asparuh Well Comes Up Dry, Next Drill Planned
The initial drilling effort in the Han Asparuh block (offshore oil and gas exploration area) of the Bulgarian Black Sea, named Vineh-1, did not uncover significant natural gas reserves, according to Offshore-energy
Bulgaria Launches Sweeping Inspections of Energy Companies Over Rising Electricity Bills
Starting today, the Ministry of Energy and the Energy Regulatory Commission (EKVR) are conducting extraordinary inspections of electricity distribution companies and end suppliers,
Bulgaria’s Fuel Market Stable, but Gray Sector and Export Ban Raise Concerns
In Bulgaria, fuel prices remain largely unchanged, with the international oil market continuing to respond to tensions between the United States and Iran.
EU Renewable Energy Use Grows, While Bulgaria Sees Significant Decline
Bulgaria is among the EU countries that experienced a notable drop in the use of renewable energy for heating and cooling in 2024, with the share declining by 1.9 percentage points compared to the previous year.
Lukoil Agrees to Sell Foreign Assets to U.S. Firm Carlyle Group in Twenty-Two Billion Dollar Deal
Russia’s oil giant Lukoil, which is under U.
Bulgaria, US Set Up Joint Energy Team for Key Strategic Projects
Bulgaria and the United States have agreed to step up cooperation in the energy sector by setting up a joint expert structure to work on priority projects of shared strategic importance.
