The Institute for Nuclear Research and Nuclear Energy at BAS (INRNE-NAS) is hosting the First International Conference on Operational Behaviour, Modelling and Experimental Support of Light Water Reactor Fuel, taking place in Nessebar, Bulgaria, from 14 to 19 September 2025. The event is organised in collaboration with some of the leading companies in the sector, including Framatome, Westinghouse, Studsvik and Kozloduy NPP.
This scientific forum continues the tradition of the successful International WWER Fuel Conference held from 1994 to 2019. About 100 leading experts, representatives of scientific institutes, nuclear power plant operators, nuclear industry companies, nuclear fuel producers, and organizations responsible for the development and safety of nuclear technologies and facilities from 9 countries are participating in the conference. The Forum brings together world experts on nuclear fuel, a key element for the operation of any nuclear power plant.
The official opening of the conference took place on 15 September with the participation of Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nataliya Kiselova – President of the National Assembly of the Republic of Bulgaria, Mr. Lionel Gaiffe – Senior Executive Vice President, Fuel and Operational Excellence at Framatome, and Ms. Christina Ritterson – Director of Nuclear Engineering for the Europe, Middle East and Africa region at Westinghouse. Congratulatory addresses were presented by the Minister of Energy Mr. Zhecho Stankov and the Chief Executive Officer of Kozloduy NPP Mr. Ivan Andreev.
In her speech, Dr. Kiselova expressed confidence in the good future of nuclear energy in Bulgaria, stressing also the role of science for more efficient and safe use of nuclear fuel. Representatives of diplomatic missions of European countries also took part in the forum.
The forum has attracted wide media interest which testifies to the public importance of the topics discussed during the conference.
