The NRA and the US Nuclear Regulatory Commission have discussed the licensing experience of AP-1000 reactors and the ATF fuel entering nuclear power

The leadership of the Nuclear Regulatory Agency (NRA) held a meeting with representatives of the US Nuclear Regulatory Commission, led by Eric Stahl, Director of International Cooperation and Assistance and Head of the US regulator's International Partnership for Regulatory Development program. This is clear from a message on the page of the nuclear regulator.

Within the framework of the meeting, the possibilities for further expansion of bilateral cooperation in the light of the existing Agreement on the exchange of technical information and cooperation on nuclear safety issues between the two institutions were discussed.

During the meeting, emphasis was also placed on the topic of the shortage of qualified personnel in the regulatory bodies, as well as the possible solutions to this issue.

Particular attention was also paid to the experience of the American regulator in the licensing of AP-1000 reactors, as well as to the approach to regulating the new accident-tolerant fuel entering the nuclear power industry (Accident Tolerant Fuel).

The representatives of the US Nuclear Regulatory Commission presented to their Bulgarian colleagues in detail the "International Partnership for Regulatory Development" program, which offers various opportunities for cooperation, including personnel training, exchange of experts and bilateral consulting. On the part of the NRA, the chairman Tsanko Bachiiski has expressed interest in expanding the relations between the two regulatory bodies in the field of exchange of technical information and training of Bulgarian specialists within the presented program.

As is known, a week ago the NRA received an application from the Kozloduy NPP to issue a permit for the use of a new type of nuclear fuel RWFA for the 5th unit of the nuclear power plant.

In addition, shortly before that, the Minister of Energy Rumen Radev told journalists that an agreement between Bulgaria and the USA in the field of nuclear energy is expected to be signed in the fall. The agreement was announced back in June. The review of the practice of the American regulator shows that such an agreement is necessary in order for the American nuclear regulator (NRC) to rule on the issue of the export of technology by the American company, and more precisely on the conclusion of the so-called Agreement 13, which governs the entire process.