"The issue is not closed". Ukraine still eyes Bulgarian reactors for KhNPP
Photo: Energoatom

Ukraine has not received an official refusal from Bulgaria regarding the sale of nuclear reactor vessels from the Belene Nuclear Power Plant (NPP) for use at the Khmelnytskyi NPP, according to Energy Minister Herman Halushchenko.

"The issue is not closed — we have not received any official refusal from Bulgaria to continue negotiations. On the contrary, the process has recently intensified," Halushchenko stated during a meeting of the Verkhovna Rada on June 20.

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Halushchenko noted that the deal was put on hold due to "political developments" in Bulgaria. However, Ukraine is actively exploring ways to unblock the project.

"At the Rome conference on Ukraine’s recovery in July, we are planning to reach a relevant agreement with the IAEA, which could become one of the leading partners in implementing this project. I believe the documents will be signed in July. So the matter remains open," the minister added.

  • Earlier, on March 13, 2025, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy signed a law allowing state-owned NNEGC Energoatom to conclude an agreement with Bulgaria’s NEC EAD for the purchase of nuclear reactor vessels intended for the construction of Khmelnytskyi NPP Units 3 and 4.
  • However, on April 15, Bulgaria’s Deputy Prime Minister announced that the government had reversed its position and would not proceed with the deal.
  • Energoatom still plans to construct two VVER-1000 units, as well as two more powerful reactors using American AP1000 technology. The AP1000 units are expected to generate up to 1,200 MW each. If implemented, the total capacity of Khmelnytskyi NPP could exceed 6,000 MW, making it the largest nuclear power plant in Europe.
EnergoatomBulgariaHerman GalushchenkobulgariaKhmelnytsky NPP