Bulgarian Energy Holding EAD (the “Grantee” or “BEH”) invites submission of qualifications and proposal data (collectively referred to as the “Proposal”) from interested U.S. firms that are qualified on the basis of experience and capability to execute Technical Assistance (the “TA”) related to the proposed deployment of one or more small modular reactor nuclear power plants in the Republic of Bulgaria. The proposal submission deadline is March 9th, 2026 at 12 p.m. EDT/ 7 P.M. EET +2. The U.S. firm selected will be paid in U.S. dollars from a $1,164,213 grant to BEH from the U.S. Trade and Development Agency.
About the Grantee
BEH is a state-owned energy company in Bulgaria that is the holding company for a group of companies and affiliates engaged in Bulgaria’s electricity and gas market. BEH ultimately owns most of Bulgaria’s power generation assets, including the Kozloduy Nuclear Power Plant (“NPP”). BEH also owns Bulgaria’s largest mining company, the electricity network, and gas transmission and transit networks, generating about 55% of the electricity in the country. BEH’s mid-to-long-term strategy seeks to guarantee the security and the relative independence of Bulgaria’s energy supply and to preserve and develop the specific advantages of the Bulgarian energy sector and its position in the regional and European energy markets.
Project Background
Bulgaria aims to expand its nuclear energy capabilities, in order to remain a regional leader in electricity production and export. In addition to building new conventional reactors at Kozloduy NPP, Bulgaria is considering investing in small modular reactors (“SMR”). BEH has held meetings and signed a memorandum of understanding with Fluor and NuScale to evaluate the potential for siting SMR power plants at the sites of retired coal-fired plants.
About the Technical Assistance
Overall, the Technical Assistance is designed to provide a detailed assessment of specific U.S. SMR designs and vendors of interest to BEH to inform their decision on their preferred partner for implementing a SMR NPP in Bulgaria. The Technical Assistance would also develop a roadmap to Project implementation, including detailing an overall approach to funding and financing the SMR Project, assessing the technical and financial viability of the SMR Project, proposing a commercial framework and offtake approach, as well as a procurement strategy that takes into account European Union law.