Bulgaria Shuts Nuclear Reactors Ahead Of EU Entry

Waste from the Kozlodui nuclear facilities (epa) December 31, 2006 -- Bulgaria was preparing today to shut down part of its aging Kozlodui nuclear power plant in a move to reduce valuable energy production and fulfill a requirement for the country's accession to the European Union on January 1.
Two hours before the country was to enter the EU at midnight, engineers were expected to close two of Kozlodui's four reactors.

The plant's director, Kiril Nikolov, said the output of the reactors being taken offline is equal to the annual energy exports of the country. Bulgaria is one of the chief suppliers of electricity to the Balkan states. The EU has said it will pay Bulgaria partial financial compensation.

(AFP)

Prague Energy Forum, October 23-24

Prague Energy Forum, October 23-24

An oil refinery in Western Siberia (TASS)

STABILITY AND SECURITY: On October 23-24, RFE/RL and the Warsaw-based Economic forum cosponsored the Prague Energy Forum at RFE/RL's Prague broadcasting center. The Energy Forum brought together nearly 100 experts and policymakers from Europe, Central Asia, and the Middle East to discuss key issues of energy supply and security in the years to come.

HIGHLIGHTS: RFE/RL presents some of the key presentations from the Energy Forum and interviews with some participants:

Czech Premier Urges Reduced Energy Dependence On Russia

Interview: Nature A Bigger Threat To Security Than Terrorism

Russia Can Boost Security Through Transparency

Interview: Russian Expert Addresses Europe's Security Concerns

U.S. Official Outlines Concerns About Iran's Nuclear Program

Iranian, Western Experts Spar Over Tehran's Nuclear Ambitions

Experts Ponder Future 'Gas Wars'

Former U.S. Ambassador Says Kyiv Can Cope With Gas Price Rise

Interview: Tbilisi Bent On Energy Independence


MORE: Click on the image to see the conference program, participant list, and other materials.