Bulgaria should immediately start preparations for an energy strategy, Rumen Petkov said
The first thing that Bulgaria should start immediately, even though it does not have a parliamentary elected government, is the preparation of an energy strategy. In this flagship strategy, the main site is to be built on four reactors – the two in Belene and the construction of two in Kozloduy is planned. This was said today at a press conference at the National Press Club of BTA in Pleven, Rumen Petkov, chairman of PP ABV.
According to him, the construction of the “Belene” NPP can begin, since the site is licensed, and there is a decision of the National Assembly to start a procedure to determine the contractor. He pointed out that there are four applications submitted and the government just needs to start the procedure for determining the contractor.
Petkov recalled that Romania has started the procedure to build two more reactors, and Turkey is building eight. “For the first time in 60 years, Bulgaria imported electricity for four days in December, because the planned repair of the sixth block in Kozloduy produced defects,” he added. “The country that guaranteed the gas security of Eastern, South-Eastern and Central Europe, we, who guarantee the energy supply of the entire region, have become a totally dependent country,” said Petkov.
In front of the media in Pleven, he announced that the PP ABV filed a report with the prosecutor’s office about the losses of “Bulgargaz” in the amount of BGN 10 million from September 26 and 27 last year. The reason is planned repair work by “Bulgartransgaz” at the interconnection point “Kulata/Sidirokastro”. Our entire society knows that on October 1, the gas connection Komotini – Stara Zagora will be put into operation. “Nothing has prevented Bulgartransgaz from agreeing with the Greek side that this planned prevention should be carried out on other dates – for example, on October 10 or 20,” commented Petkov.
“This is a heavy blow to Bulgargaz, provided by the operator Bulgartransgaz, and no one is taking any measures. That is why we have appealed to the Prosecutor’s Office of the Republic of Bulgaria, we have attached an answer to KEVR, which is more than categorical. We are very hopeful that finally to take measures to show that there is a state,” Petkov emphasized. “We have reasons to believe that practically Bulgargaz is already bankrupt. This, on its part, that someone clears the way means to other providers. If the prosecutor’s office acts, it will be an accomplice in this process without,” said the leader of PP ABV.
Petkov and commented on the subject of contracts for the supply of fresh nuclear fuel with “Westinghouse” and “Framatom” for the fifth and sixth units of the Kozloduy NPP. He presents a letter dated January 5 of this year. of the Nuclear Regulatory Agency stating that applications and documents related to the licensing of fuel produced by Westinghouse – Sweden have not yet been received. “Then what are we buying?” asked Petkov. He also raises the question of where the spent nuclear fuel will be kept.
On the occasion of the upcoming handing over of the third mandate to form the government, Petkov said that it is all pessimistic to get to the creation of a cabinet.
A recording of the press conference is available on the BTA website.