Bulgaria begins the construction of its second nuclear power plant immediately.

A deal for the Belene project was signed on November 29, Novinar newspaper reported.

Sergey Shmatko, president of the project executor Atomostroyexport, said that the power plant was going to be among the most modern facilities in Europe.

Atomstroyexport was going to start work immediately on the preparation of the site for construction work and inspection of the already available equipment, said Shmatko.

Two blocks will be constructed in the coming 7.5 years. Belene could be used for at least 60 years once completed, Novinar reported.

A final agreement will be signed by April 15 2007. This agreement will feature all deadlines for construction, supplies and the start of work of the power plant.

Talks on deadlines are expected to begin on December 5. In days the National Electric Company (NEC) will present more information to financial institutions and potential investors, in an attempt to ensure funds for the project.