ROMATOM General Assembly: Strategic Directions and Future Projects for the Nuclear Sector

The Romanian Atomic Forum (ROMATOM) organized the 2025 General Assembly, gathering 49 members of the civil nuclear industry. The event, held in the presence of representatives of the Ministry of Energy, the National Commission for Nuclear Activities Control (CNCAN), major operators in the field and specialized service providers, highlighted the strategic directions and projects that will shape the future of the nuclear sector in Romania. The event also saw the election of the Board of Directors and the President of the association.

The Assembly was opened with keynote speeches by key representatives from the industry. On behalf of Energy Minister Sebastian-Ioan Burduja, the official message was presented by Bogdan Termegan, ROMATOM Executive Director.

He underlined the government’s support for civil nuclear projects and stated that “the nuclear industry is facing historic opportunities”, this sector representing “one of the pillars of decarbonization and energy security” for Romania, according to the Integrated National Energy and Climate Plan and the National Energy Strategy. In the same framework, he highlighted the role of current and future investments: “The refurbishment of Unit 1 at Cernavoda, the completion of Units 3 and 4, as well as the implementation of the small modular reactors project are priority objectives undertaken by Romania. This comes in addition to objectives in the area of advanced nuclear technologies, the Alfred reactor in Pitesti…”

The official stressed the importance of strengthening the national supply chain, saying: “We want to see the national supply chain develop and strengthen around these projects. It is essential to keep the added value in Romania, to generate stable and well-paid jobs, to increase the competitiveness of Romanian industry…”

At the same time, the ministry’s support for the civil nuclear program was reiterated and it was emphasized that the government supports through concrete measures – including contracts for difference and loan guarantees – the development of strategic projects that require long-term predictability. In the minister’s view, technology transfer and human resources training are essential to remain competitive on the European market and to ensure a strong nuclear safety culture.

In addition, collaboration was encouraged between the Ministry of Economy, the Ministry of Education and ROMATOM to identify new investment opportunities and to support the training of the next generation of nuclear experts. The Minister called for a dialog, stressing that: “Our political support for these projects is total. We want to implement these major investments as soon as possible, using local resources, equipment, labour and know-how…”

In conclusion, the message noted that “nuclear energy is not only a key technology for the energy transition, but also an opportunity to strengthen Romania’s position as a reliable regional player, with multiple benefits: energy security, economic competitiveness and sustainable development.”

 

Authorities and industry perspective

• CNCAN President Cantemir Ciurea-Ercau presented to the suppliers the legislative news and regulatory changes adapted to current and future nuclear projects.
• Nuclearelectrica President Teodor Chirica PhD, National Order of Merit at the rank of Knight, highlighted the progress of the company’s projects and evoked the history of Nuclearelectrica’s involvement in the evolution of ROMATOM.
• The Director General of Nucleareurope Emanuel Brutin gave a European perspective on the evolution of the nuclear industry and initiatives at EU level.
• ROMATOM President Corina Truica presented the association’s vision and objectives for the next two years.

 

Panel “Opportunities for the Romanian nuclear industry”

The second part of the event was dedicated to a panel discussion on supply chain opportunities, taking into account the ongoing nuclear projects: the refurbishment of Unit 1 at Cernavoda, the construction of Units 3 and 4, the development of small modular reactors and the emerging initiatives in the Romanian nuclear sector.

Maria Oprisescu (CNCAN Director) explained the main differences between large reactors and SMRs, emphasizing the adaptation of the regulatory framework to ensure both operational safety and efficiency of implementation. “What could support CNCAN licensees would be, on the one hand, to contact us in advance, and on the other hand, to coordinate their activities with the holders of nuclear plants,” she said, in support of the participants in the civil nuclear program.

Representatives of the Unit 1 – Cernavoda refurbishment project have detailed the positive impact of the Cernavoda Unit 1 refurbishment on the operational performance and on the national energy system. “The investments in refurbishment will bring long-term benefits, increasing Romania’s energy security and competitiveness in the nuclear field by extending the lifetime by 30 years at only half the cost of a new reactor with the same characteristics.”

Alexandru Marciulescu (Deputy Director General Energonuclear) highlighted how the lessons learned from the implementation of Units 1 and 2 are being integrated in the development of Units 3 and 4. “In terms of milestones, so far we have obtained the positive opinion of the European Commission on the construction of the project; we have obtained from CNCAN a comfort letter certifying that the project is authorized according to the applicable standards and codes, and we have from the original designer, CANDU Energy, an assessment of the civil structures confirming that they can be used for another 60 years after commissioning […]. Although there are big differences in commissioning between Units 1, 2 and Units 3 and 4, we use Cernavoda’s U2 as the reference unit. It’s the starting point. An extraordinary unit in terms of operating indicators.”

Cezar Georgescu (Managing Director RoPower Nuclear – Small Modular Reactors project) highlighted the competitive advantages of SMRs: “The Romanian industry will play a key role in the economic underpinning of the Small Modular Reactor (SMR) power plant project, including the site planning and all the necessary site works. In this way, we continue our tradition and position ourselves well in the market as a regional leader. Romanian industry has an important role to play, we are already contacting Romanian industry with the idea of asking for support to build the small modular reactors.”

Strategic decisions and prospects for 2025

In the second part of the meeting, ROMATOM members approved the activity report for 2024 and the financial situation of the organization. Also, the work program for 2025 was set and elections were held for the new composition of the Board of Directors and for the ROMATOM Presidency. The election results determined the composition of the Governing Board. Therefore: Automatica – President, Walter Tosto – Vice-President, Nuclearelectrica, Industrial Montaj, Roseal, Candu Energy, Ansaldo Nucleare – members. As alternate members were elected: Gonzales Precision Mechanics, Ludan Engineering, Nimb Consmetal.

 

Conclusion

The ROMATOM 2025 General Assembly reconfirmed the commitment of the Romanian nuclear industry to contribute to the country’s energy security through strategic investments, advanced technologies and continuous professionalization of human resources. Through the support of the authorities, cooperation with European partners and the active involvement of local suppliers, Romania has the chance to strengthen its position as a relevant player in the nuclear sector at regional and international level.

 

About ROMATOM

The Romanian Atomic Forum (ROMATOM) is the representative association of the civil nuclear industry in Romania, bringing together suppliers, manufacturers and specialists involved in major national and international nuclear projects. Its mission is to promote cooperation, innovation and standards of excellence in the nuclear sector, in line with Romania’s energy security and sustainable development objectives.

 

Contact

Romanian Atomic Forum Association – ROMATOM

E-mail: office@romatom.ro