Ontario and Bulgaria Sign Large-Scale Nuclear Support Agreement

SOFIA, BULGARIA – Today, Ontario Minister of Energy and Mines Stephen Lecce joined Bulgarian Minister of Energy Zhecho Stankov to announce an agreement to leverage Ontario’s nuclear expertise to support Bulgaria’s nuclear energy expansion. Building on conversations between Ontario and Bulgaria at the recent World Nuclear Symposium, the agreement will leverage Ontario’s nuclear energy expertise to help Bulgaria’s Kozloduy Nuclear Power Plant (NPP) New Build with the construction of two new proposed nuclear reactor units – units 7 and 8. 

Ontario is a global leader in nuclear power, with the proven safe and successful operation of the province’s three nuclear generating stations and delivering large-scale refurbishments on-time and on-budget. Under the agreement, a new consortium comprised of Laurentis Energy Partners, BWXT Canada Ltd. and Canadian Nuclear Partners S.A., has been selected to support a two-phase contract valued at hundreds of millions of dollars to support the build of the two Westinghouse AP1000 nuclear reactor units.

“Ontario is solidifying Canada’s global leadership in clean, emissions-free nuclear power, and the world is watching,” said Stephen Lecce, Minister of Energy and Mines and MPP for King—Vaughan. “Ontario’s nuclear expertise will support Bulgaria’s large-scale nuclear expansion to deliver reliable, affordable power to their country, while creating jobs and protecting our economy here at home. As jurisdictions around the world seek stable, democratic sources of energy, global leaders are turning to Ontario’s 50-year track record of on-time and on-budget expertise.”

Phase one will begin immediately to support planning work over the next 15 months. Pending approvals, phase two is expected to begin in 2027 and includes the construction of the units over the next eight to ten years. The project supports hundreds of jobs, combining local and European hiring with expertise from Ontario and across Canada. It will also provide Ontario with the opportunity to expand its expertise into the light water nuclear sector for the first time.

“Our country has secured leading international partners with proven experience across the full nuclear lifecycle - from design through commissioning,” said Zhecho Stankov, Minister of Energy, Bulgaria. “This project is an investment not only in our long-term energy security, but also in the strength of Bulgarian industry. Thirty percent of the specialists working on the project will be Bulgarian experts, providing our workforce with new knowledge, advanced technologies, and meaningful growth opportunities.”

After more than 50 years of successful nuclear deployment and operations with CANDU technology, Ontario is exporting its clean energy advantage to fast-growing economies as part of its plan to open new markets for the province’s nuclear supply chain, create good-paying jobs and secure our position as a global energy superpower. Small modular reactor (SMR) partnership agreements already in place in Estonia, Poland and Belgium, while a major refurbishment project is underway on the CANDU Unit 1 reactor at Romania’s Cernavoda Nuclear Power Plant.

Ontario’s nuclear leadership in securing new commercial opportunities and providing support for other jurisdictions’ nuclear sectors is a key pillar of Energy for Generations, Ontario’s long-term roadmap to deliver reliable, affordable and secure energy to power the most competitive economy in the G7. With a clear path forward, the plan is not only meeting the demands of today, it is protecting jobs, supporting workers and powering economic growth for generations to come.

Quotes

"Laurentis’s foundation is built on decades of experience supporting CANDU technology, but our project-management, technical, and Owner’s Engineer expertise are highly transferable across reactor types and technologies. This contract reflects the confidence placed in Canadian nuclear capability for complex new-build programs. We’re honoured to work alongside our partners in supporting Bulgaria’s long-term clean-energy goals and strengthening the country’s energy security for generations to come."

- Leslie McWilliams

President and CEO, Laurentis Energy Partners

"BWXT has significant experience successfully supporting execution of large projects in the nuclear industry including the refurbishments for Bruce Power and Ontario Power Generation. Our customers recognize that experience, and we are excited to leverage our technical capabilities in support of this important AP1000 development to help Bulgaria meet its energy security needs."

- John MacQuarrie

President, Commercial Operations, BWXT

"We’re pleased to see NII Founding Members contribute made-in-Canada expertise to yet another new nuclear project. This announcement reflects the strong innovation happening right here in Ontario—and the growing global demand for clean, reliable energy solutions. It’s encouraging to see our members helping advance projects that will deliver long-term benefits for communities far beyond our own."

- Jessica Linthorne

President and CEO, Nuclear Innovation Institute

"Ontario’s nuclear supply chain has earned global recognition for its expertise, reliability, and consistent record of delivering projects on time and on budget. This new consortium represents a significant opportunity for Ontario companies to bring that leadership to the international stage while supporting high-quality jobs here at home. OCNI is proud to see our members contributing to a project that strengthens democratic energy partnerships and showcases Canada’s nuclear capabilities to the world."

- Ivette Vera-Perez

President and CEO, OCNI

"The Ontario Energy Association (OEA) congratulates the government of Ontario on the signing of this consortium agreement to provide nuclear expertise and technology for the construction of two new Westinghouse AP1000 nuclear reactors in Bulgaria. The Government of Ontario’s bold leadership on nuclear development and innovation has positioned Ontario as a global leader in nuclear technology. Congratulations to all the companies involved who are bringing significant employment to Ontario and positioning Ontario as an international leader in nuclear energy innovation and deployment."

- Vince Brescia

President and CEO, OEA

"Canada’s nuclear expertise is recognized around the world, and this consortium reflects the confidence international partners place in our province’s proven capability. For more than five decades, Ontario has demonstrated leadership in operating and delivering nuclear projects safely and reliably. As countries look for secure, clean and dependable electricity, Ontario’s experience continues to create new opportunities for our workers and our industry."

- George Christidis

President and CEO, Canadian Nuclear Association

"This is another key step in the implementation of the new nuclear capacity in Bulgaria. The companies have many years of experience in providing these services, which guarantees that the project will be completed on time, within budget, and in full compliance with regulatory standards."

- Petyo Ivanov

Executive Director, Kozloduy Nuclear Power Plant New Build

Additional Resources

Energy for Generations

Ontario Leads the G7 by Building First Small Modular Reactor

Ontario Investing $1 Billion to Build Small Modular Reactors at Darlington

MEDIA CONTACT                                                                                              

Stephen Lecce, MPP for King—Vaughan

Constituency Office

Tel.: 647-560-9700        

Email: Stephen.Lecce@pc.ola.org