BGN64m ($38m) in losses from underproduction have accumulated at Bulgaria’s Kozloduy NPP for the period from 1 December 2025 to 9 January, according to MP Yordan Todorov of the opposition Vazrazhdane party, which cited the information in a press release. Vazrazhdane, the third largest party in the parliament, has led the wisespread protests against Bulgaria’s recent adoption of the Euro. The data indicates a serious imbalance in the operation of the plant’s two operating units, with the losses referring solely to electricity not produced, without including potential damage to infrastructure, which is difficult to quantify and will become evident in due course, Todorov said.
Currently, Kozloduy NPP operates two Soviet-built VVER-1000 reactors (units 5&6). Bulgaria was obliged to close four older VVER-440 units as a condition for accession to the European Union, even though the units had undergone significant safety upgrades. In February 2024, Bulgaria and the US signed a formal agreement to collaborate on the construction of two new units at the Kozloduy NPP (7&8).
During the period in question, unit 5 generated 953,000 MWh of electricity, while unit 6, due to constant technical problems, achieved only 673,000 MWh. The difference of 280,000 MWh, calculated at the average clearing price on the Bulgarian Independent Energy Exchange of BGN229.11 per MWh, results in losses of BGN64m, Todorov said.
He further argued that the Kozloduy NPP, which he described as Bulgaria’s most important infrastructure facility, is not being run by engineers and proven professionals but by individuals linked to corrupt practices and appointments made in the interest of energy oligarchic circles. He alleged that such management approves rigged public procurement for a limited group of companies, leading to systemic financial losses for the public purse.
Todorov noted that outgoing Energy Minister Zhecho Stankov’s recent statement, that replacing the plant’s management does not depend on him, raises questions about real accountability and the way decisions are taken in the energy sector.
