■ Resumption of overseas nuclear plant project after 15 years with the contract for the new Kozloduy nuclear plant in Bulgaria

- A megaproject involving the construction of two large nuclear reactors, with the Engineering Services Contract secured ahead of upcoming procurement and construction contracts

- On the 4th (local time), a contract was signed for the design of BOP(Balance of Plant) and infrastructure for nuclear power generation

- Jointly established a Sofia branch and project site office to enhance local communication and ensure smooth project delivery 

■ Demonstrating its status as a leading nuclear power company through this European contract, seeking to expand its influence in the global nuclear market

- Aims to showcase its capabilities across the entire EPC (Engineering, Procurement, Construction) process, leveraging super-gap technology and expertise in nuclear construction

- As a total nuclear solution provider, Hyundai E&C will bolster Bulgaria’s energy security and accelerate its expansion into the European market

[ On the 4th (local time), Hyundai E&C signed a design contract for the construction of the Kozloduy NPP at the Council of Ministers building in Bulgaria. (From bottom left, counterclockwise) Hyundai E&C President&CEO Yoon Young-joon; KNPP-NB CEO Petyo Ivanov; Westinghouse EVP Commercial Operations Elias Gideon; U.S. Ambassador to Bulgaria Kenneth Merten; Bulgarian Prime Minister Dimitar Glavchev; Bulgarian Energy Minister Vladimir Malinov; and Deputy Head of Mission and Charge d'Affaires of Embassy of the Republic of Korea Ji I Cho ]

Hyundai E&C resumed its overseas nuclear projects after 15 Years with a contract for a mega nuclear power plant (NPP) project in Bulgaria.

Hyundai E&C has signed an Engineering Services Contract (ESC) for the design of the new Kozloduy NPP on the 4th (local time) with Kozloduy NPP-New Builds (KNPP NB) at the Council of Ministers building in Sofia, Bulgaria. This project will be executed by Hyundai E&C in partnership with US-based company Westinghouse as part of a consortium. 

The signing ceremony included key attendees such as Hyundai E&C President&CEO Yoon Young-joon, Bulgarian Prime Minister Dimitar Glavchev, Bulgarian Energy Minister Vladimir Malinov, the KNPP-NB CEO Petyo Ivanov, and Westinghouse Electric Company EVP Commercial Operations Elias Gideon.

Before the ceremony, Hyundai E&C President&CEO Yoon Young-joon met with Prime Minister Dimitar Glavchev and Minister Vladimir Malinov to reinforce their commitment to mutual cooperation. Prime Minister Glavchev stated, “I am pleased to sign this contract with Hyundai E&C, which has proven its technological expertise in the global nuclear market. I expect this project to be successfully executed through collaboration with local partners.”

The new Kozloduy NPP project aims to add two large nuclear reactors to the Kozloduy complex, located approximately 200 km north of the capital, Sofia. This year marks the start of the initial design phase, while the main EPC (Engineering, Procurement, Construction) contract for phase II is anticipated by the end of next year, with the project expected to be completed by 2035.

Kozloduy, the first NPP in Bulgaria and responsible for about a third of the country’s electricity production, began commercial operations in 1974. Due to aging infrastructure, units 1-4 have been decommissioned, while units 5 and 6, based on Russian-developed pressurized water reactor technology, remain operational, and the upcoming units 7 and 8 will adopt Westinghouse’s AP1000 model.

During phase I, Hyundai E&C will be in charge of the Balance of Plant (BOP: all supporting components and auxiliary systems required for energy transmission) as well as site infrastructure design and permit and approval support, with an estimated construction period of 12 months from project kick-off. Hyundai E&C aims to complete the design phase successfully and demonstrate its capabilities as a total nuclear solution provider, overseeing all EPC aspects with its advanced technology and extensive nuclear construction expertise.

Later in the day, Hyundai E&C hosted the opening ceremony for the “Hyundai E&C Bulgaria Office” in Ovcha Kupel, Sofia. This office, which will serve as a hub operating both the Sofia branch and an on-site office, is intended to facilitate strong local communication and ensure smooth project delivery. 

At the office opening event, which was attended by Hyundai E&C President&CEO Yoon Young-joon, Bulgarian Energy Minister Vladimir Malinov, and officials from the Bulgarian government, clients, and partner companies, Hyundai E&C also signed a contract with Bulgarian construction company GBS for infrastructure design, marking the first step toward flawless project execution.

In February, Hyundai E&C distinguished itself as the only global company among bidders for the Kozloduy nuclear project to meet all the stringent prequalification requirements, successfully passing the prequalification (PQ) process independently. Since then, President&CEO Yoon Young-joon has held a series of meetings with high-ranking officials, including Bulgarian President Rumen Radev and leaders of Bulgaria’s major political parties. Additionally, Hyundai E&C conducted the Hyundai E&C Nuclear Roadshow 2024 and other events for local nuclear and construction industries, to strengthen its local network and further develop cooperative measures in Bulgaria.

During Bulgarian Energy Minister Vladimir Malinov’s visit to Korea in September, Hyundai E&C further solidified its commitment to successful project execution and strengthened its position as a trusted partner.

A Hyundai E&C representative commented, “Hyundai E&C, which has led Korea’s nuclear industry for over 50 years, is taking on another megaproject in global nuclear history for the second time, following the UAE Barakah nuclear plant in 2009. With robust governmental support for nuclear power and Hyundai E&C’s unparalleled expertise, we are committed to successfully constructing the Kozloduy nuclear power plant, enhancing Bulgaria’s energy security, and expanding our construction footprint in nuclear construction across Europe.”