In an era of unprecedented demand for electricity, driven in part by the rapid development of artificial intelligence and the construction of data centres, reliable power generation and energy supply are becoming an increasingly important strategic resource. Against this backdrop, small modular reactor (SMR) technology has the potential to evolve from a promising high-tech nuclear solution into a viable investment project delivering significant benefits to society.

This was the conclusion of Emil Angelov, CEO of Glavbolgarstroy Holding, who took part in the panel discussion “Needs and Challenges Facing Small Modular Reactor Projects” held as part of the Fifth International Nuclear Conference in Sofia, where experts from the energy sector and academia discussed opportunities for the development of nuclear projects in Bulgaria.

“When we talk about small modular reactors, we usually refer to new technologies. However, these technologies have been known for more than half a century, as they have been successfully used in the defence sector, including applications in naval and civilian fleets, to power various military facilities, and others,” he commented.

According to Angelov, a project of this kind needs to address several key factors simultaneously in order to facilitate its deployment in the civilian sector — strong investment interest, the provision of the necessary regulatory facilitation and permits, and a high level of public confidence.

In his view, the successful deployment of such technology in Bulgaria requires transparency and clear communication with the public about the benefits of integrating SMRs for consumers and businesses, particularly in terms of electricity prices and return on capital.

Highlighting the conditions for the successful deployment of the technology in Bulgaria, Angelov stressed the need for a more harmonised European approach to regulating such projects, given their direct impact on the investment environment. According to him, a common European approach could reduce regulatory risk, expand the market and facilitate continuity.

The Future of the Project in Bulgaria

One of the factors that could accelerate the development of small modular reactor projects in Bulgaria is the rapid expansion of AI infrastructure. Reliable and uninterrupted power supply is critical for these facilities, placing nuclear energy — and SMR technology in particular — among the potential solutions for ensuring a long-term and reliable energy supply.

At the end of 2025, technology company Blue Bird Energy, whose shareholders are Glavbolgarstroy and Asarel-Medet, and Poland’s SGE announced their cooperation through the signing of a document aimed at establishing a joint venture for the construction of small modular reactors in Bulgaria based on GE Vernova Hitachi’s BWRX-300 technology.

The joint venture will operate in Bulgaria to identify and prepare potential sites for the deployment of such a small modular reactor, support the site licensing process and the design of small modular reactors, and take responsibility for construction management and project development.