Hyundai Engineering and Construction is the only candidate shortlisted out of five applicants in a procedure for expression of interest to construct a new reactor using Westinghouse Electric’s AP1000 technology at Kozloduy nuclear power plant, according to special project company Kozloduy NPP-New Build.

The remaining candidates are Fluor B.V., Bechtel Nuclear Power, a consortium of China National Nuclear Corporation Overseas and China Energy Engineering Group Tianjin Electric Power Construction, as well as China Energy Engineering Corporation, Kozloduy NPP-New Build added.

The decision comes after a commission reviewed the candidates’ qualifications on a pass-or-fail basis.

Applicants were required to have experience in constructing and commissioning at least two nuclear units, along with designing nuclear or turbine island systems and supplying and installing equipment for at least two nuclear reactors in the last 15 years. They also had to show a turnover of at least 5.6 billion euros between 2018 and 2022.

Hyundai E&C will be able to submit its offer in a separate new procedure.

The first new AP1000 plant is slated to be operational before 2035, with Westinghouse overseeing the overall design authority while delegating responsibilities for the design of individual plant systems and buildings.