Bulgaria's Kozloduy NPP, photo by EPA/BGNES
Bulgaria will not launch new nuclear capacity in the next 10 years, according to a forecast of the Electricity System Operator (ESO).
According to state-owned ESO, the Maritsa-Iztok 2 thermal power plant will not need an expansion by units 9 and 10 over the next 10 years.
The forecast, as cited by Pressa daily, is part of a draft plan for the development of the electricity network in the period 2015-2024.
According to the document, the construction of the Belene nuclear power plant was stopped through decisions of Bulgaria’s government and Parliament.
As regards the project for unit 7 of the Kozloduy nuclear power plant, the forecast suggests that it should enter into service after 2025 due to the lengthy conciliation proceedings.
ESO also cites a forecast of the European Commission by 2050 under which Bulgaria is expected to unveil new nuclear capacity after 2035.
At the same time, the forecast envisages an increase in the capacity of the 1000-MW units 5 and 6 of the Kozloduy NPP by 100 MW through upgrades of the turbines.
The Gorna Arda hydro power project will be built to include 3 dams and 3 hydroelectric power plants, with the Byal Izvor hydroelectric power plant scheduled to become operational first, in 2022, with a capacity of 44 MW. One year later, the Ardino HPP is to be launched with a capacity of 56 MW, and in 2024, the Gorna Arda hydro power project is be completed with the launch of the Kitnitsa HPP with a capacity of 66 MW.
During the entire 10-year period, Bulgaria is expected to be able to export electricity in the summer and in the winter months.
The maximum of domestic needs in winter is to grow from 6990 MW in 2015 to 7440 MW in 2024.
During the 10-year period, Bulgaria’s photovoltaic capacity is to increase by a total of 51%, reaching 1568 MW from a rate of 1038 MW.