Aconsortium of Westinghouse Electric Company and South Korea’s Hyundai Engineering & Construction has signed an engineering services contract with Bulgaria’s Kozloduy NPP-Newbuild.

The contract represents the next step following the front-end engineering and design phase for the construction of two AP1000 nuclear reactors at the Kozloduy nuclear power plant in Bulgaria.

The AP1000 reactor, central to this project, is a Generation III+ reactor that uses passive safety systems and has a modular design and a compact footprint per megawatt of electricity generated.

The first AP1000 reactor is expected to commence commercial operations in 2035.

The contract encompasses site planning for the reactors in addition to providing support for the initial licensing, permitting, project planning and operations and maintenance development.

The 12-month contract work is set to begin in November 2024.

In October, Westinghouse extended its FEED contract with Kozloduy NPP-Newbuild to support the construction of two AP1000 reactors at the Kozloduy site.

The extension followed Westinghouse’s initial FEED contract awarded in June 2023.

Westinghouse Energy Systems president Dan Lipman stated: “We are pleased to extend our long-term relationship with Bulgaria, and to work closely in building two advanced AP1000 units that will bolster Bulgaria’s energy security.”

Westinghouse has already signed memoranda of understanding with 22 Bulgarian suppliers for the project.

The Kozloduy project offers Bulgarian companies the chance to engage in the construction of 30 AP1000 units planned worldwide.

US Ambassador to Bulgaria Kenneth Merten stated: “The United States fully supports Bulgaria’s efforts to ensure its energy security through the diversification of its energy sector. The construction of these two new reactors will both enhance Bulgaria’s energy security and position the country as a key energy hub for the region.

“This project, using advanced American technology with unparalleled safety standards over years of safe operation, is poised to provide sustainable and secure energy for Bulgaria’s future.”

Four AP1000 units are operational in China and two at the Vogtle site in the US state of Georgia, with eight under construction and four under contract around the world.

By 2030, 18 units based on AP1000 technology are expected to be operational globally.

The technology has also been selected for nuclear energy programmes in Poland and Ukraine, and has gained traction across Central and Eastern Europe, the UK, India and North America.