SE RAW Opens the National Radioactive Waste Repository – One of the Most Modern in Europe

“Protect the Earth” – this is the message from the creators to the generations 60 years from now.

SE RAW opened the National Repository for Radioactive Waste – one of the most modern in Europe
“Protect the Earth” – is the message from the creators to the generations after 60 years.

The National Repository for Low- and Intermediate-Level Radioactive Waste (NH RAW) was opened with a solemn ceremony, built on the Radiana site in the 2-kilometer preventive protective measures zone of the Kozloduy NPP. The facility is one of the most modern in Europe and closes the cycle of safe radioactive waste management in Bulgaria.

“With this facility, Bulgaria falls into the top segment of countries developing nuclear energy. In this way, we almost close the cycle in safe operation and environmental care. Today is the culmination of the efforts of many people,” said the Minister of Energy Traycho Traykov, who cut the ribbon together with the Executive Director of the State Enterprise “Radioactive Waste” Dilyan Petrov.

The official opening marked the start of Stage 1 of the Repository, intended for radioactive waste generated from the decommissioning of Units 1–4 of the Kozloduy NPP. Dilyan Petrov emphasized that the repository will not store spent nuclear fuel nor waste from other countries. Stage 1 is intended solely for low- and intermediate level waste from decommissioning activities.

First Actual Operation for Receiving Radioactive Waste at the NR RAW

Just a week before the official opening, on 7 April 2026, the first reinforced concrete container (RCC) No. 001945 was transported to the National Repository. It was moved from the Storage Facility for Temporarily Stored Conditioned Radioactive Waste at the Specialized Division “RAW – Kozloduy” to the reception and buffer storage building at the NR RAW.

Its placement in the temporary storage zone, carried out in strict accordance with technological procedures, represents the first real operation of receiving a container with radioactive waste at the new facility. This marks the beginning of the repository’s 60 year operational period.

The facility received its operating license from the Nuclear Regulatory Agency on 3 April 2026 and its Act 16 from the National Construction Control Directorate in March 2026.

Time Capsule – A Message to the Future

At the climax of the ceremony, a message was read, addressed to the generations who, 60 years from now, will be responsible for closing the facility and restoring the site to its original state. It will be sealed in a time capsule to preserve the important words from the creators of the Repository:

“Many years ago – in the 1950s – people discovered how to use the atom for peaceful purposes. In our 21st century, it gave us light, warmth, and energy, but it also left behind waste… We gathered it. And we built the National Repository for Low- and Intermediate-Level Radioactive Waste.”

And they call upon future generations:

“Protect the Earth. Protect one another. And remember – once, long ago, someone was thinking of you.”

With the opening of the NR RAW, Bulgaria reaffirms its position as a responsible nuclear state that guarantees the safety of people and the environment – today and in the future.

Source: SE RAW