Bogomil Manchev on the bTV program “Face to Face”
On July 16, the Chairman of the Management Board of Bulatom, Bogomil Manchev, took part in the program “Face to Face” hosted by Tsvetanka Rizova on bTV.
The main topics discussed in the program were:
– the restart of the Belene NPP project – the chances for its implementation and what needs to be done for the project to be revived;
– the financial and technical condition of Kozloduy NPP;
– the development of nuclear energy and its geopolitical benefits.
According to Manchev, the Belene NPP is a completely realistic project that can be implemented if there is political will and financial support. He stated that the plant has passed all necessary inspections and remains a fully viable nuclear project.
He once again justified the need for the construction of four nuclear units by 2051. In his view, both projects – the 7th and 8th units at Kozloduy NPP and the Belene NPP – should be implemented within the next 25 years.
Manchev also commented on the statements made by Prof. Kaschiev in the same program regarding the financial situation of Kozloduy NPP and how, in his opinion, the situation should be addressed.
Regarding the development of the RES sector, he commented on its chaotic expansion and explained its lack of stability. His position is that he is not against the development of renewable energy sources – on the contrary, he supports it – but emphasized that the sector must develop on the basis of a structured plan, grounded in a Strategy for Sustainable Energy Development of Bulgaria, which Manchev repeatedly warns must be drafted and adopted.
When asked by the host about spent nuclear fuel, Manchev was categorical that there is capacity and the possibility for it to be stored in the facility built on the Kozloduy NPP site. He announced a pilot project between SERAW and an American company for deep drilling 23 meters underground, where spent nuclear fuel could be stored for up to 300 years.
You can see the Television Broadcast with Bogomil Manchev in the video below