One of China’s top nuclear energy leaders is turning its attention to Bulgaria. According to official sources who requested anonymity, China National Nuclear Corporation (CNNC) is already participating in tenders in the country, working alongside a Bulgarian partner. This, they say, is proof of Bulgaria’s potential in the nuclear energy sector.
CNNC is one of the largest enterprises in China's nuclear industry, built and operating with strong government support. The company is a leader in nuclear power development, nuclear fuel cycle management, and the export of nuclear technologies. Ranking first in China and second globally in nuclear technology partnerships, CNNC has maintained a position in the Fortune Global 500 for four years in a row.
The corporation covers the entire nuclear energy cycle—from uranium mining and fuel production to reactor design, construction, operation, and waste management. CNNC’s reactors rival global leaders like Westinghouse and Rosatom in safety, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness, with partnerships in the UK, Argentina, Saudi Arabia, and contracts signed with over 30 countries.
CNNC invests heavily in research and development, collaborating with national nuclear research institutes, international organizations, and laboratories. It is a key provider of training and capacity building for the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). The company is also a leader in nuclear fusion, small modular reactors (SMRs), and nuclear medicine technologies, driving innovation in the field.
Notably, CNNC is behind Linglong One, the world’s first IAEA-approved installed SMR.
CNNC EverClean, a subsidiary of CNNC, is a leading Chinese company specializing in spent nuclear fuel (SNF) management, and it operates the world’s most advanced infrastructure in this domain. Established in 1995, EverClean is a licensed key player in China’s nuclear fuel cycle, handling the transportation and storage of spent fuel.
The company specializes in the engineering and design of world-class containers for SNF storage and transport, meeting and exceeding international safety standards. These containers are optimized for reliability, thermal management, and shielding. EverClean has a proven project management record, with over 30 successful logistics projects in China and internationally.
Its portfolio includes collaborations with leading industry players such as Framatome/ORANO, Holtec International, and various companies in Europe (e.g., Germany) and the United States, with ongoing projects progressing on schedule.
EverClean fulfills contracts in France and Germany, adhering fully to IAEA regulatory standards, and holds certifications and licenses from Germany’s BAM. Companies such as DAHER Nuclear Technologies GmbH, Veolia Nuclear Solutions, and Skoda JS procure equipment from CNNC EverClean.
With a highly reliable supply chain—secured as part of CNNC—EverClean ensures cost efficiency, quality control, and project timeline reliability through guaranteed access to critical components.
The company boasts unmatched operational experience in handling spent fuel from VVER-type reactors (e.g., Tianwan Nuclear Power Plant), as well as French M310 and CPR1000 reactors. With more than 25 years of operation and over a million kilometers of safe spent fuel transportation, its safety record is flawless.
EverClean teams are specially trained for precision SNF handling in various conditions and operate one of the few 1:1 full-scale test facilities in the world. This site enables real-condition simulations for container testing, ensuring the highest levels of reliability.
The company also maintains partnerships with universities and international laboratories to strengthen its innovation and training capabilities.
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