A referendum was organised on 27 January 2013 on the potential development of new nuclear reactors in Bulgaria. Voters were demanded to answer the following question: "Should nuclear energy be developed in Bulgaria through the construction of new nuclear power units?"
60.55% of voters voted in favour of the construction, however the vote was invalidated due to a very low turnout (only 21%). As the turnout is over 20%, and more than half of the votes are positive, the question is now tabled for debate to parliament.
The controversial Belene project was revived in 2002 and the contract for the construction of a 2,000 MW additional capacity was signed in 2006 with Atomstroyexport (Russia). Construction did not progress due to cost disputes, with costs escalating from the planned €4bn to €6.3bn (and up to €10bn according to the Bulgarian government estimates in January 2013). In 2009, RWE decided to withdraw from the project, in which it was expected to invest €2bn. In March 2012, the government announced the end of the project, estimated "economically unfeasible".
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