Bulatom: Bulgaria to take decisive steps to include nuclear energy in EU Green Deal

Nuclear experts in Bulgaria urge the local government to take clearer and more decisive political steps before the EU in order to include nuclear energy as part of the Community's Green Deal. This became clear during today's online discussion on the future development of nuclear energy in our country, organized by the Bulgarian Atomic Forum Bulatom and the Internet portal 3eNews. During the discussion was presented the sociological survey of Trend Agency "Attitudes towards the development of nuclear energy in Bulgaria."

Bulatom's experts have prepared a memorandum, which will be sent to the Bulgarian government and EU governing bodies. The document calls for nuclear energy to be considered part of the "Green Deal" and to be provided for financial support for the development of nuclear facilities, along with renewable sources. "Nuclear technologies and energy must be part of the new, coherent EU industrial strategy and Bulgarian politicians must do everything necessary to achieve this strategic goal for Bulgaria and Europe," the document reads.

Regarding the new energy strategy currently being prepared in Bulgaria, Bulatom specialists insist that it should include the development of energy in Bulgaria with the implementation of the Belene nuclear projects - Units 1 and 2 and Kozloduy - Units 7 and 8.

"Our position, defended by the entire nuclear community in Bulgaria, as well as by large industrial consumers of electricity, is that nuclear energy has a place in the low-carbon energy mix from renewable sources such as wind and solar energy. This opinion is defended by almost half of the Bulgarians interviewed by Trend. Moreover, 44% of respondents believe that the Bulgarian government should support the demand for nuclear energy to be included in the "Green Deal". For us, this means a clear sign on the part of society for the direction of development of the Bulgarian economy and the efforts that the state must make, "it is clear from the position of Bulatom.

The study

More than half of Bulgarians support the development of nuclear energy in Europe and in our country, according to a study by the poll agency Trend, commissioned by 3eNews. It was conducted among 1006 Bulgarian citizens over the age of 18. According to the survey, 58% of respondents believe that it is necessary to develop nuclear energy in our country. One in ten is of the opposite opinion, and 32 percent do not know or cannot judge this.

When asked among those who believe that it is necessary to develop nuclear energy in Bulgaria, how exactly should this happen, 43% of them said that through the Belene NPP and new units at Kozloduy NPP. Only among those living in Sofia there is lower support for this option.

Half of those who support the development of nuclear energy in Bulgaria are of the opinion that safety is the most important factor in technology for this type of energy, explained during the discussion the sociologist of Trend Evelina Slavkova. The next most important factor that stands out is environmental friendliness - for 24 percent of respondents it is the most important. Next is the price of electricity, which is important for every fifth respondent. In terms of environmental friendliness, it is again recognized that this factor is more significant among younger people (18-29 and 30-29 years) and those living in the capital, according to the survey results.

Half of the respondents (50 percent) agree with the statement that nuclear energy is safe for human health in compliance with established safety standards. Another 22 percent of the respondents do not agree with this statement, the sociologist reminded.

A big share - over three quarters, agree with the statement that nuclear energy creates new jobs and supports the local and national economic development of the country. Nearly two-thirds (65 percent) believe that nuclear energy is boosting the development of high technology. Just over a quarter don't know or can't judge this.

Nearly half (44 percent) of respondents believe that nuclear energy has a place in the low-carbon energy mix from renewable sources such as wind and solar. The same share of 45 percent declare that they do not know or cannot judge. The share of those who declare that they do not know or cannot judge is over two thirds (67 percent), the results of the Trend survey show.