Ten European energy companies have expressed their interest in becoming strategic investors in the project for the construction of Nuclear Power Plant Belene, The Financial Times reported.

Three nuclear plants – the French Electricite De France, the Checz CEZ and the German E.ON are among the potential candidates for the 49% of the government controlled company which would build and operate the nuclear power plant.

The other 51% belong to the National Electricity Company (NEK) which will control the new plant's production during the next 15 years. The construction of NPP Belene starts next year.

Public opinion research has indicated a tremendous public support for the Belene project. The magazine reminds that the shut down of NPP Kozloduy caused a lot of protests in the country and Bulgarian MEPs suggested the reopening of 3rd and 4th reactor which were shut down in December.