site.btaUPDATED Environment Minister Sandov: Bulgaria Has Enough Nuclear Fuel for 18 Months, Negotiations Underway with Westinghouse

Bulgaria has enough nuclear fuel for around 18 months and talks are underway with the US for future supplies to come from Westinghouse, said Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Environment and Water Borislav Sandov, after taking part in the EU Environment Council meeting in Brussels on Thursday.

Answering a question, Sandov said that Ukrainian nuclear power plants (NPPs) pose a threat to Bulgaria and this fact should not be concealed. There is still no serious radiation caused by what's happening in Ukraine. The risk comes from these NPPs' vulnerability to missile attacks, which are happening nearby, Sandov said. The Bulgarian Deputy PM said he does not believe the Russian military actions will lead to such "a suicidal" effect, because Russia is nearby. "This is definitely a risk for all of Europe and the whole world. I don't believe things will come to that," Sandov said. Bulgaria is prepared to respond, but it would be impossible for anyone to avoid all the damage that would be caused by such an accident, he said, explaining that the damage could only be mitigated. 

The natural gas supply, however, is a bigger challenge, especially because of the "criminal" delay of the construction with the gas interconnector with Greece, Sandov said. When this interconnector is completed, Bulgaria's dependence on Russian natural gas supplies will be halved, he said, adding that Russia could be quickly be replaced as Bulgaria's main oil supplier. 

According to Sandov, the war in Ukraine, caused by the Russian aggression, creates additional conditions for accelerating the processes related to nature conservation and energy transition, especially when it comes to renewable energy, which is the path to energy security and independence. Bulgaria has a vested interest in this field, because it is overly dependent on Russian energy, but at the same time has good conditions to quickly start using new energy sources. There are many investments "around the corner", he said, adding that some 16,000 MWh are concerned. 

The Environment Ministry in Sofia reported that Sandov took part in the first EU Environment Council for this year. One of the main topics discussed by the EU environment ministers was the legislative proposals made by the European Commission concerning climate, which are part of the 'Fit for 55' legislative package. Minister Sandov confirmed Bulgaria's commitment to work towards creating the necessary conditions for implementing the European Green Deal's priorities and objectives, as well as those of the European Climate Law. 

In the context of the war in Ukraine, the Green Deal is not a problem, but a solution. The risks related to energy security clearly demonstrate the need to speed up the transition to a low-carbon economy, Sandov said, adding that de-carbonization is not just an environmental issue, but a topic related to peace in Europe. 

The Bulgarian Environment Minister conferred with the head of the Directorate General for the Environment, Florika Fink-Hooijer. The two have discussed Bulgaria's progress on fulfilling its commitments in the environmental sector in view of closing the infringement procedures initiated against this country.