A total of 13 applications for participation in the implementation of the Belene Nuclear Power Plant project have been submitted. Seven of the applications are from companies wishing to take part in the future project as a strategic investor, Energy Minister Temenuzhka Petkova announced at a press conference at the energy ministry.

Minister Petkova added that two of the applications are for participation in the project with supply of equipment and participation in the structuring of the project financing. Four other applications are for acquiring a minority stake in the project and for concluding a contract for the purchase of electric energy.

A commission of Bulgarian experts will evaluate the applications and, within 90 days, will draw up a shortlist of the companies which will be invited to submit binding offers. No appeal of the commission decisions is envisaged. Every step during the competition will be put to the vote by the Council of Ministers and the National Assembly.