Bulgaria and Ukraine MoU covers nuclear energy cooperation

Ukraine's Energy Minister Herman Halushchenko and his Bulgarian counterpart Rumen Radev signed the MoU during the visit of Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky to Bulgaria.

Ukraine's energy ministry said the aim was to create a framework for cooperation "based on the principle of mutual benefit and taking into account the common interests and goals of both countries".

The ministry said the agreement meant: "The parties will intensify the provision of expert and engineering services and solutions in the field of nuclear energy by conducting independent expertise on the assessment of the safety of nuclear facilities and exchange of experts, access to infrastructure and participation in joint projects and initiatives involving joint activities in the field of nuclear energy."

It will also mean both sides will promote "cooperation at all stages of the nuclear fuel cycle, the implementation of activities and the provision of services related to the extension of the operational life of nuclear facilities, with the aim of increasing safety and/or improving their operational characteristics".

And it would also lead to the "exchange of knowledge and experience regarding the protection of energy infrastructure from physical, electromagnetic and cyber threats is also identified as a priority in cooperation".

The Bulgarian BTA news agency reported that the document also includes cooperation on "energy efficiency, increasing energy storage, smart grids, promotion of digitisation" as well as in nuclear energy.

It reports that a joint working will be established to develop cooperation in the various areas, and said the MoU will last five years, with an automatic renewal option every three years.