/ world today news/ The Speaker of the National Assembly, Tsetska Tsacheva, will submit to the parliament a draft resolution on giving the government a mandate to conduct negotiations on the Belene NPP.
Yesterday, at the meeting of the parliamentary committee on economy, the minister of economy, energy and tourism, Delyan Dobrev, announced that there is a declared private interest in realizing the project.
The American “Global Power Consortium” is the investor that sees an opportunity to realize the Belene NPP project. The company does not have its own nuclear power plant, but manages assets in the nuclear power industry through the parent company, its representative pointed out yesterday.
The Bulgarian government expects the investor to present a plan, based on which it will form a concept for possible negotiations. From the words of the representative of “Global Power Consortium”, it became clear that the company is based in the United States and that talks are being held with NEK and other companies with which a memorandum of understanding is being discussed.
According to preliminary plans, NEK should create a project company to take over the assets and liabilities of the Belene NPP. The Americans are already negotiating with Russia’s Atomstroyexport, which will most likely supply the nuclear equipment.
In addition, it is clear that for now the American company is not looking for government guarantees or contracts for long-term purchase of the produced electricity. The realization of the “Belene” NPP as a private project caused controversy, especially since a parliamentary decision was voted to stop the plant.
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What strategies can the government implement to ensure transparency and accountability in the management of the Belene NPP project, especially regarding private investment and environmental safeguards?
Thank you for joining us today on World Today News. We have with us two esteemed guests, Mr. Georgi Bliznashki, a nuclear energy expert and Ms. Maria Nikolova, an environmental activist, to discuss the recently proposed private investment in the Belene Nuclear Power Plant (NPP) project.
Mr. Bliznashki, as a nuclear energy expert, what are your thoughts on the possibility of a private company taking over the Belene NPP project? And how do you view the involvement of the American “Global Power Consortium” in this venture?
Ms. Nikolova, as an environmental activist, what are your concerns about a potential private-sector led Belene NPP project? And how do you envision the role of the government in regulating such an undertaking?
Mr. Bliznashki, the conversion of the Belene NPP into a private venture raises questions about the use of public funds in the earlier phases of the project. Could you provide some insight into how the government plans to manage the transition and what potential benefits are there for the public?
Ms. Nikolova, in your opinion, what lessons can be learned from the Chernobyl and Fukushima nuclear disasters in managing the risks associated with nuclear energy? And how should these lessons be factored into the regulatory framework for a potential private-sector led Belene NPP project?
Mr. Bliznashki, there have been discussions about using Russian technology for the nuclear equipment in the revived Belene NPP project. How does this impact the potential for a successful and safe operation of the plant?
Ms. Nikolova, what are the alternative energy sources that the government should consider investing in to reduce Bulgaria’s reliance on nuclear power? Do you believe that renewable energy sources can effectively replace nuclear power in the long run?
Mr. Bliznashki, the Belene NPP project has faced widespread opposition from citizens and environmental groups in the past. How do you see these concerns being addressed in the context of a potential private-sector led project? And what assurances can you provide to the public regarding the safety and sustainability of the project?
Ms. Nikolova, what are the implications of a private-sector
