Key Points:
- Hyundai Engineering & Construction Co. was selected as the preferred bidder for a nuclear plant project in Bulgaria.
- The project involves the construction of two nuclear reactors in Kozloduy with a capacity of 2,200 megawatts each.
- The Bulgarian parliament approved the decision, signaling Hyundai’s competence in nuclear infrastructure development.
- Negotiations with Kozloduy NPP New Builds PLC are underway, with the final winner to be announced in April.
Hyundai Engineering & Construction Co. (HDEC) has announced its selection as the preferred bidder for a significant nuclear plant project in Bulgaria, signaling a major milestone in its international endeavors.
The project aims to enhance Bulgaria’s power generation capacity by constructing two nuclear reactors, each boasting a capacity of 2,200 megawatts. Situated in Kozloduy, approximately 200 kilometers north of Sofia, the project aligns with Hyundai’s strategic vision for expanding its presence in the global energy sector.
The Bulgarian parliament ratified the decision to designate Hyundai as the preferred bidder, underscoring the company’s competence and expertise in nuclear infrastructure development. The project, valued at US$14 billion, is poised to bolster Bulgaria’s energy infrastructure and contribute to its long-term energy sustainability goals.
Upon securing the preferred bidder status, Hyundai is set to negotiate with Kozloduy NPP New Builds PLC, with the final winner expected to be announced in April. This milestone signifies Hyundai’s re-entry into major overseas nuclear plant projects, marking a significant achievement since its participation in constructing four nuclear reactors in Barakah, Abu Dhabi, in 2009.
The Kozloduy nuclear plant, operational since 1969, is pivotal in Bulgaria’s energy landscape, accounting for a substantial portion of the country’s power generation. With four reactors already retired and two others currently in operation, Hyundai’s addition of two new reactors aims to augment the plant’s capacity further and extend its operational lifespan.
Hyundai’s strategic collaboration with U.S.-based Holtec International further underscores its commitment to nuclear energy innovation. Through a recent agreement, Hyundai aims to leverage its expertise in partnership with Holtec International to develop small modular reactors, contributing to advancing nuclear technology on a global scale.
