The Nuclear Future of the Republic of Bulgaria – Trends in the Development of the Regulatory Framework for the Construction and Operation of Nuclear Power Plants, Problems and Recommendations for Improvement

Abstract

In the article, the author conducts an analysis of the national nuclear characteristics of the Republic of Bulgaria, addressing the prospects of nuclear energy in the country, its strategic position in the national energy policy and the envisioned development for the construction of new nuclear power plants. It further considers public opinion on nuclear energy. The composition and institutional positioning of the national regulatory body are delineated, with particular attention paid to the safeguards ensuring its indepen- dence within the administrative framework of the state. The legislation in the Republic of Bulgaria that regulates the use of nuclear energy is notably extensive. In addition to the main nuclear law, public relations are also regulated by other laws, further elaborated through an array of subordinate normative acts. The article proceeds to outline, albeit briefly, the principal constitutional provisions, statutory laws, and regulatory by-laws pertinent to the licensing stages of nuclear power plants. Moreover, the analysis extends to the salient characteristics of the nuclear projects planned for implementation, issues arising in the context of contractual arrangements related to construction, as well as the national public procurement procedure for the construction of nuclear power plants. The discourse also encompasses the increasingly salient issue of small modular reactors with the author present the extent to which the country is interested in their implementa- tion and the challenges facing their licensing and implementation.