EPC Contract for Cernavoda NPP Unit 1 Refurbishment Signed
Nuclearelectrica and the international consortium Candu Energy Inc., an AtkinsRéalis company, Ansaldo Nucleare, Canadian Commercial Corporation and Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power Co ceremonially signed the Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) contract for the advancement of Cernavoda NPP Unit 1 refurbishment on December 19, 2024. The contract estimated value is 1.9 billion EUR and its entry into force is conditional upon Nuclearelectrica’s General Meeting of Shareholders approval and the approval of the Canadian Government.
During a special signing ceremony, in the presence of the Head of the Prime Minister’s Chancellery Alexandru-Mihai Ghigiu, the Minister of Energy in Romania Sebastian Burduja, H.E. Rim Kap-soo, ambassador of the Republic of Korea in Romania, H.E. Gavin Buchan, ambassador of Canada in Romania and H.E. Valeria Baistrocchi, chargé d’affaires of the Embassy of the Italian Republic in Romania, Nuclearelectrica, AtkinsRéalis, Ansaldo Nucleare, Canadian Commercial Corporation and Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power marked the most important milestone in the Unit 1 refurbishment project.
The EPC contract main scope consists of development of the detailed design and execution details, procurement of equipment and materials, execution of Retubing Works and Refurbishment Works as well as construction of the infrastructure as necessary for the Cernavoda NPP Unit 1 Refurbishment Project.
“Investing in energy is an essential component of the government’s vision to prepare for a clean and sustainable energy future. I congratulate Nuclearelectrica for the refurbishment project of Unit 1 of Cernavoda Nuclear Power Plant and for the entire portfolio of investments, designed to contribute to Romania’s energy stability,” said Alexandru-Mihai Ghigiu.
“Romania has taken on the role of regional leader in nuclear energy. We want to be pioneers in the development of small-scale reactors, we have already signed the contract for the feasibility study, we already signed the contract for the construction of reactors 3 and 4 at Cernavodă, and today we have also signed the final contract for the refurbishment of Unit 1 at the Cernavodă nuclear power plant, which we will be able to operate for another 30 years. In the last year and a half, we have managed to attract non-reimbursable funding of almost EUR 14 billion and to stick to our motto: investments, investments, investments. I would like to congratulate the management of Nuclearelectrica for the work they have done and for the fact that together we have managed to unblock vital projects for Romania,” added Sebastian Burduja.
“The goal for Cernavoda NPP Unit 1 refurbishment is to ensure the operation of the unit for another life cycle in conditions of safety and economic efficiency. In order to achieve this objective, all the preparation and implementation activities of U1 Refurbishment Project are carried out according to standards of excellence and the international experience gained from the refurbishment of the other CANDU nuclear units worldwide. This is a key project which will extend U1’s operational life by 30 years to support Romania’s decarbonization goals by avoiding an additional 5 million tons of CO2 emissions annually. We are keen to work with internationally renowned partners which have historically contributed to the current operational performance of Cernavoda Units 1 and 2,” noted Cosmin Ghita, Chief Executive Officer, Nuclearelectrica.
“The last seven CANDU reactors built around the world, and the ongoing life extension of 10 CANDU reactors in Ontario, have been conducted on time and on budget. As the only organization that has taken a leading role in every CANDU reactor life extension project to date globally, our unmatched track record of executing on schedule, cost, safety, and quality performance, along with the expertise of our top-tier, proven consortium partners, will deliver this project for Romania at and above their expectations,” said Joe St. Julian, President, Nuclear, AtkinsRéalis.
“CCC appreciates the confidence that Romania has demonstrated to date in Canadian nuclear technology and is pleased to facilitate this important project that will ensure Romanians continue to have access to emission-free energy and helps realize Romania’s potential as a regional hub for clean electricity in Eastern Europe,” stated Bobby Kwon, President and CEO of CCC.
“The today EPC contract for Unit 1 Plant Life Extension represents a major achievement for our company,” stated Daniela Gentile, CEO of Ansaldo Nucleare “It reaffirms the enduring trust that Nuclearelectrica has consistently placed in us and our partners, endorsing our expertise. This achievement not only strengthens our partnership with Nuclearelectrica but also, following the signing of the EPCM contract for Cernavoda Units 3 and 4 during COP29 in Baku, further consolidates Ansaldo Nucleare’s presence in Romania”.
“This achievement reaffirms the global recognition of KHNP’s operation and maintenance expertise. With over 50 years of experience in NPP operations and project management, including the refurbishment of Wolsong Unit 1, KHNP is committed to completing this project successfully, on time, and within budget,” Ph.D. Whang Joo-ho, President and CEO of Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power Co, stated.
Nuclearelectrica aims to achieve carbon neutrality, expand clean energy production, lead in innovation and technological advancement, manage resources sustainably, and develop the community and workforce.