Two of Britain鈥檚 nuclear power companies have signed a deal to give
technical assistance to the operators of Bulgaria鈥檚 beleagured Kozloduy
reactor complex.
The International Atomic Energy Agency warned recently that two of the
six Soviet designed pressurised water reactors in the complex are too unsafe
to continue working because there is no guarantee that the safety systems
will shut the plants down during an accident.
The condition of the reactors (known as VVERs) poses an acute dilemma
for the Bulgarian authorities. They acknowledge the safety problems, but
need to keep the plant running because it generates most of the country鈥檚
electricity.
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Under the agreement signed earlier this month, the National Nuclear
Corporation and Scottish Nuclear will supply both experts and advice to
help the Bulgarians overcome current design and operational problems.
