Dismantling and Fragmentation, Characterisation and Packaging of Reactor Internals, Reactor Pressure Vessels and Annular Tanks of Kozloduy Units 1-4

1. Purpose of the Market Consultation

State Enterprise Radioactive Waste (SERAW), a state-owned company and the licensed decommissioning Operator of Kozloduy NPP Units 1–4, intends to procure services for the dismantling of the Reactor Pressure Vessel (RPV) and reactor internals, including associated handling and processing of resulting radioactive waste.
This market consultation is undertaken in accordance with the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) Procurement Policies and Rules (PPR). It aims to gather non-binding input from experienced market participants to inform the subsequent procurement strategy and tender documentation.
This consultation aims to:  

• Assess the availability and capacity of experienced contractors in the market to perform RPV and reactor internals dismantling in similar reactor types.
• Explore the feasibility of alternative dismantling strategies, including sequential, parallel, or hybrid approaches, from both time and cost perspectives.
• Identify technical solutions for remote cutting, handling of large radioactive components, and integration with existing decommissioning activities.
• Confirm the realistic lead times for mobilisation, execution, and completion of the works.
• Collect feedback on contract packaging, risk allocation, and delivery models that could attract wider competition and deliver best value for money.

Participation is open to all eligible firms, joint ventures, and consortia, in line with EBRD PPR.

2. Background

The Kozloduy Nuclear Power Plant Units 1–4 (VVER-440/B-230 design) were commissioned in 1974, 1976, 1980, and 1982 respectively. Units 1 and 2 were permanently shut down in 2002, Units 3 and 4 in 2006. SERAW is responsible for their dismantling and decommissioning. A full chemical decontamination of the Primary Circuits has been completed to minimise dose rates and facilitate dismantling in compliance with the ALARA principle.

Original Strategy and Change of Approach
Initially, SERAW intended to use its own personnel and procured equipment to execute the dismantling. However, the Programme’s Stress Test concluded that SERAW lacks the specialised expertise and experience for dismantling reactor pressure vessels (RPVs) and reactor internals, particularly in remote cutting and RAW handling. Following international practice (e.g., Bohunice, Ignalina), SERAW decided to outsource this work to a specialised contractor.

Parallel Dismantling Considerations
Kozloduy Units 1 and 2 are located in Reactor Building 1 (RB-1), and Units 3 and 4 in Reactor Building 2 (RB-2). Each RB has its own independent cranes, utilities, ventilation, and service systems. This physical separation means that dismantling activities in one building do not directly interfere with activities in the other.
The baseline decommissioning strategy—defined in the first Regulator-approved Decommissioning Plans—has been to dismantle one reactor in each RB simultaneously (parallel execution) in order to shorten the overall programme duration. By contrast, dismantling the four units sequentially would extend the programme end date by approximately 4–6 years.
However, implementing parallel dismantling of RPVs and reactor internals would represent an intensive and resource-demanding operation for both the contractor and the client organisation. It would require:

• Sufficient numbers of specialised teams with proven RPV and reactor internals dismantling experience.
• Duplication of specialised equipment or rapid relocation capability between RBs.
• Effective coordination of logistics, safety oversight, and waste management for two large-scale dismantling operations in parallel.

Thus, one of the primary aims of this consultation is to determine whether the market has the capacity, resources, and appetite to undertake such parallel dismantling, and whether it could be delivered economically compared with sequential or hybrid approaches. SERAW is seeking upfront feedback on the potential benefits, challenges, and cost/time implications of parallel dismantling so that the procurement strategy can be optimised accordingly.

3. Scope of Work (Indicative)

The final scope will be defined during the procurement process. The current concept anticipates the contractor will:

• Dismantle, fragment, characterise, weigh, and package:
  • Reactor Internals (Core Barrels, Core Baskets, Guard Tube Banks)
  •  Reactor Pressure Vessels
  •  Annular Tanks
• Supply, install and operate all plant, equipment, and labour necessary for the works.
• Ensure RAW segregation by radiological, chemical, and physical properties for compliant handling and disposal.
• Develop detailed design/technological solutions where alternative approaches are proposed, or finalise working procedures based on SERAW’s supplied design.
• Execute necessary modifications to existing structures, systems, and components in RB-1 and RB-2.
• Operate dismantling/fragmentation equipment, decontaminate and disassemble it after completion, remove it from site.
• Hand over packages of RAM and RAW to SERAW for subsequent processing and/or conditioning (SERAW will provide all necessary packaging).
• Hand over secondary waste to SERAW.
• Reinstate modified SSCs to original state where required.
  SERAW will provide access to available site utilities, training, radiological supervision, and certain shared plant/equipment (subject to coordination with other decommissioning works).

4. Consultation Process

• Interested parties must complete the attached Questionnaire and return it to info@dprao.bg for the attention of Mr. Dilyan Petrov by 15 September 2025, 11:30 a.m. (London time).
• Optional one-to-one clarification meetings may be held, covering the same scope of questions for all participants.
• All participants will receive the same non-confidential information; aggregated feedback will be anonymised.
• Participation will not confer any competitive advantage in the subsequent tender.

5. Key Topics for Feedback

The consultation seeks input on:

1. Experience & Capacity – Comparable dismantling projects, especially VVER or similar reactors.
2. Technical Approaches – Cutting, handling, and waste management technologies.
3. Strategy Feasibility – Sequential vs parallel dismantling, constraints, and cost/time implications.
4. Feasibility of Parallel Dismantling – Does the market currently have sufficient qualified personnel, equipment, and logistical capability to execute parallel dismantling in two RBs simultaneously? What would be the likely impact on cost, schedule, and risk compared to sequential or hybrid approaches? Would your organisation be willing to commit resources to such a delivery model?
5.  Mobilisation – Lead times for equipment and specialist teams.
6.  Risk Management – Key risks and mitigation proposals.
7.  Contracting Preferences – Packaging, delivery models, risk allocation.

Disclaimer

This market consultation is for information-gathering only and is not part of a formal procurement process. SERAW reserves the right to alter the scope, timing, and approach. Participation will not influence the outcome of any subsequent procurement.
EBRD Procurement Policies and Rules: https://www.ebrd.com/work-with-us/procurement/policies-and-rules.html

Annexes:
1. KNPP Units 1-4 dismantling technical details
2. MARKET CONSULTATION QUESTIONNAIRE