Bulgarian Energy Minister: Kozloduy NPP Implements Preventive Power Reduction Due to Continuous Decline in Danube River Water Levels

Bulgarian Energy Minister Iva·Petrova confirmed on October 7, 2026, at a meeting of the parliamentary energy committee that the recent unit output reduction at the Kozloduy NPP was a preventive technical measure to ensure nuclear safety. Due to the continuous decline in Danube River water levels, the nuclear power plant synchronized a power reduction operation on Tuesday for the two operating nuclear units to ensure the stability and safety of the secondary-side cooling water circulation system.

Petrova stated that in response to the impact of the Danube River's dry season on the nuclear power plant's water intake structures, the government and the power sector are actively seeking fundamental engineering technical solutions, including maintaining the water level of local water intake systems and introducing alternative reservoir water sources. The operator of the Kozloduy NPP has submitted a special assessment report proposing four potential response options; however, she noted that most of the options have medium- to long-term implementation periods and cannot produce immediate results under the current reality of extremely low water levels in the Danube River.

Regarding the overall winter peak energy supply guarantee, Petrova emphasized that Bulgaria's energy infrastructure across the country has completed winter preparation. The state-owned natural gas operator Bulgargaz has secured sufficient gas supply quotas for the heating season, and the Chiren underground gas storage facility has ample capacity to effectively guarantee peak winter gas demand.

In addition, regarding the inspection and maintenance work on the heating network in the capital Sofia, Petrova revealed that pipeline repair operations are still being intensified, and Toplofikatsiya Sofia has committed to completing all preparatory work before the official start of the statutory heating season. However, due to the company's historical debt disputes with Bulgargaz and the Bulgarian Energy Holding (BEH), the related operational streamlining work still faces certain challenges.