Mr. Kovachev is an independent energy adviser with more than 40 years of experience. Member of the Standing Advisory Group of the International Bank for Nuclear Infrastructure (IBNI) initiative, an non governmental initiative, advocating for the establishment of new international financial institution focused on nuclear energy for accelerated contribution to climate change mitigation efforts.

From 2015 to 2022 Mr. Kovachev served as Section Head of Nuclear Infrastructure Development at the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). The section is the IAEA gateway for countries embarking on nuclear power and integrates the Agency assistance to create an enabling environment for responsible nuclear deployment and peaceful use. At this position he contributed to a number of IAEA publications, including revision two of the Milestones Approach, the Integrated Nuclear Infrastructure Review (INIR) methodology and guidelines. He also led a number of INIR missions including the first two pilot INIR phase 3 missions in UAE and Belarus.

Mr. Kovachev has wide experience in policy formulation and policy reforms in the energy and nuclear sector, strategic planning, programme management and nuclear infrastructure development,  project structuring and financing with major IFIs such as IBRD, EBRD, EIB and commercial banks. During the 7 years of his professional career at IAEA he worked closely with OECD-NEA, WANO, IFNEC and other international organisations with the goal of enhancing the international nuclear safety regime and performance and preparing for broader application of nuclear power in the world.