With an investment cost of less than EUR 10.5 billion, with a ratio of 70:30 for attracted and own capital and an interest rate below 4.5%, the Belene NPP project is viable. This is the conclusion in an analysis made by the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences that has been commissioned by the Bulgarian Energy Holding.

The project would become significantly more viable in case the state is involved. In the region there is a shortage of base capacity of about 2000 MW. The worst option is if nothing is done on the Belene project, the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences said.

"The ultimate decision for Belene should only be made after a broad discussion of this analysis”, Energy Minister Temenuzhka Petkova commented at the presentation of the report. She stressed that the Belene N-plant decision should be made quickly but not hastily.