That’s the kind of business Westinghouse Electric Company has just landed. This agreement will facilitate the construction in Bulgaria of a Kozloduy nuclear power plant expansion based on their new generation, standardized AP1000 reactor technology. This agreement marks a pivotal step in enhancing Bulgaria’s nuclear energy capabilities and aligns with Westinghouse’s broader strategy to deploy advanced reactor designs across Europe and North America.
The AP1000 is one of the industry’s Generation III+ reactors. Unlike some other vehicles, it features fully passive safety systems, which offer significant protection without needing action from the user. Its highly modular construction approach enables swift assembly and construction, greatly reducing time and costs. Each unit of AP1000 maximizes footprint space use per megawatt electric (MWe), making its economic case for electricity generation more effective.
A Global Perspective on AP1000 Technology
Today, there are six reactors in operation around the world using the AP1000 technology, with twelve more units under construction. Contracts for six more units add to the testament of confidence in this reactor design. By 2030, PNNL modeling suggests there will be 18 AP1000 units operating around the world.
The technology is quickly spreading beyond Bulgaria. Other countries…. Poland and Ukraine have both selected the AP1000 as the basis for their new nuclear energy programs. In June 2025, Westinghouse signed an early works agreement with Fortum. This partnership aims to deploy AP1000 reactors throughout Europe. This agreement continues to demonstrate their commitment to ensuring local suppliers are engaged on all of these projects.
Commitment to Local Suppliers
Dan Lipman, a representative from Westinghouse, emphasized the importance of collaboration with local suppliers:
“Westinghouse is committed to engaging Bulgaria’s highly experienced nuclear supply chain in supporting the expansion of Kozloduy as well as other AP1000 projects in Europe and around the world.”
And it will be local businesses, such as MTG-Dolphin AD, that will figure prominently in this collaborative project. So far they’ve kept promises to get it done early and under budget. Lipman explained that their participation would bring enormous economic returns, emphasizing their worth in numbers by saying,
“Local suppliers such as MTG-Dolphin AD will not only help us deliver the project on time and budget, but they will also help drive real economic impact locally and create thousands of jobs during construction and the many decades of operation to come.”
Svetlin Stoyanov, another key figure involved in the project, remarked on the opportunity presented by the AP1000 initiative:
“Our participation in the AP1000 project demonstrates the strength and potential of Bulgaria’s industrial base.”
The expansion at Kozloduy represents the largest step yet taken in truly modernizing Bulgaria’s energy infrastructure. It will further the nation’s transition to a clean energy future. With its innovative features and proven safety capabilities, the AP1000 is well suited to be the platform for the next generation of nuclear energy projects. As Westinghouse continues to engage local suppliers and stakeholders, the benefits are expected to extend well beyond Bulgaria, fostering economic growth while addressing energy needs across Europe.
“We are proud to support Westinghouse in advancing Bulgaria’s nuclear energy future and look forward to contributing to the success of the Kozloduy expansion, as well as to future projects across Europe.”
Future Prospects for Nuclear Energy
The expansion at Kozloduy is a significant step toward modernizing Bulgaria’s energy infrastructure and enhancing its reliance on clean energy sources. The AP1000’s innovative features and robust safety measures position it as a viable solution for future nuclear energy projects. As Westinghouse continues to engage local suppliers and stakeholders, the benefits are expected to extend well beyond Bulgaria, fostering economic growth while addressing energy needs across Europe.