Sacked Bulgarian CEO: NPP Kozloduy Is in Thriving State

The CEO of Bulgaria's only operational nuclear power plant in Kozloduy, Valentin Nikolov, who was fired Friday, firmly denies violations have been committed during his management of the plant.

Speaking for the Bulgarian National Radio, he stressed he was leaving Kozloduy in a "flourishing state."

Caretaker Economy and Energy Minister, Asen Vasilev, reported earlier that the results of a probe were the grounds for the dismissal.

He noted the breaches unveiled by it were very serious and systematic, not related to particular individuals, but new people were needed to fix them.

Nikolov says he has been the one to request the probe, which failed to establish anything wrong in his work. He denies having anything to do with the proven violations in the public tenders' procedures.

"I will ask for a meeting with Vasilev. The energy system is undergoing tumultuous times, and replacements further threaten its stability. But I would not do anything to worsen the process. The NPP financial state is brilliant and I have no remorse whatsoever," the CEO explained.

The Bulgarian Trud (Labor) daily further reports that on grounds of the requested electric power price hike, Vasilev will fire the Boards of Directors of Kozloduy and the Bulgarian Energy Holding, BEH. The National Electric Company, NEK, the Energy System Operator, ESO, the Thermal Power Plant Maritza East 2, Bulgargaz, and Bulgartransgaz are all under BEH's authority.

The Minister points out the companies have requested a price increase without seeking internal reserves for reducing costs.

We need your support so Novinite.com can keep delivering news and information about Bulgaria! Thank you!