18.04.2011
In Sofia (Bulgaria) Addendum 12 to the Agreement of 29.11.2006 on Belene NPP construction was signed between National Electric Company EAD (NEK ЕАД) and Atomstroyexport Joint-Stock Company (ASE JSC), the company of the State Nuclear Energy Corporation “Rosatom”.
Addendum 12 prolongs the term of validity of the Agreement till June 30, 2011 for final approval of all documents constituting the EPC Contract. Under the provisions of the Addendum, the approved documents have to be duly initialed by the authorized representatives of the Parties by June 1, 2011.
Also the Memorandum of Understanding was signed between NEK ЕАД and ASE JSC about Belene NPP construction project. According to the Memorandum, the Russian and Bulgarian Parties should undertake all necessary efforts by June 30, 2011 in order to carry out deep analysis of the nuclear and radiation safety aspects, including analysis of external impacts on stable and safe operation of Belene NPP Units. In case the international, European or Bulgarian nuclear engineering bodies put forward new safety-related requirements, the Parties have agreed to make all necessary for provision of Belene NPP design conformity to such requirements.
For today the foundation pit is fully ready at Belene NPP site for commencement of construction of the first power unit; the concrete-mixing plant is operated; construction of the purification facilities was finalized; the civil and geotechnical laboratories were equipped accordingly, the drilling operations and geological survey of the site were carried out.
The Technical Design of Belene NPP was approved by NEK’s technical council and submitted to the Bulgarian Nuclear Regulatory Agency. Experts of Bulgaria, Russia, Germany, the USA, Great Britain, the Republic of South Africa and from many other countries were involved in comprehensive study of the Russian design. According to the expert opinion, Belene design belongs to the new generation of 3+ nuclear plants and provides much higher safety level, which conforms to all international requirements.
Within the framework of Belene NPP construction, the orders were placed at the Russian, European and Bulgarian manufacturers and the long lead equipment manufacture was started. Not less than 30 % of equipment supplies, works and services will be localized in Bulgaria, thus providing essential profit to the enterprises and organizations of the real sector of the country’s national economy. Belene NPP construction will also allow to solve problems of employment of the population: tens of thousands of workplaces will be created on the construction site and beyond its bounds, and that is an important factor in the conditions of man power growing import. Belene NPP construction will allow to reduce outflow of experts from the country and will promote social and economic development of Bulgaria.
The information:
In 2005 the tender was invited for Belene NPP construction, and Atomstroyexport JSC was awarded the contract. On November 29, 2006 the Agreement between NEK EAD and ASE JSC was signed on Belene NPP construction. In 2007 the Russian design was recognized as conforming to all EUR technical requirements to the light water NPPs of new generation. On January 18, 2008 the Contract Agreement for Belene NPP construction was signed. In January 2010 NEK EAD, after having considered the positive conclusions of the independent Bulgarian and international expert organizations, approved the Technical Design of Belene NPP.
On November 30, 2010 in Sofia the Memorandum was signed between the State Corporation “Rosatom” and NEK EAD on the principles of establishing Belene Utility Company. The said project company will be an assignee of NEK for further implementation of the project and Belene NPP owner. The initial shareholders of the project company will be Rosatom, participating with the aid of its subsidiaries, NEK EAD and the European investors, which can be assigned by any party under the Memorandum. Also the Memoranda were signed between the State Corporation “Rosatom”, NEK EAD and potential share investors of the project company, i.e. company “Fortum” (Finland) and company “Altran Technologies” (France), on cooperation in Belene NPP construction and operation.
