January 5 (SeeNews) - Bulgaria joined on January 1 the Nuclear Energy Agency (NEA) of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) and its data bank, the agency said.
"With several decades of water-water energetic reactor (WWER) experience, Bulgaria will reinforce the NEA’s capacity to address matters related to pressurised water reactor technologies and their operational characteristics," the NEA said in a statement on Monday.
At the same time, the NEA will support Bulgaria’s efforts in many technical and policy areas, including work to address nuclear skills capacity building needs, the development and application of nuclear data and simulation codes as well as many issues related to radioactive waste management, decommissioning and nuclear economics, it added.
"Expanded use of nuclear power is a strategic priority for Bulgaria, supporting the country’s efforts to enhance energy security while reducing greenhouse gas emissions," the NEA noted.
Last year, Bulgaria launched a procedure for studying options for the construction of a new unit at the country's sole nuclear power plant (NPP) Kozloduy. Kozloduy NPP is currently operating two Russian-made units of 1,000 MW each. The country also has ongoing plans to build an NPP in Belene, on the Danube river.
The NEA is an intergovernmental agency that facilitates co‑operation among countries with advanced nuclear technology infrastructures to seek excellence in nuclear safety, technology, science, related environmental and economic matters and law. The agency assists its member countries in maintaining and further developing the scientific, technological and legal bases required for a safe, environmentally sound and economical use of nuclear energy for peaceful purposes.