Nuclear, a Vital Tool in Achieving Decarbonization in Romania

“Including nuclear energy in the taxonomy of the European Union on sustainable financing is a reliable solution for reaching Romania’s energy independence and decarbonization targets. By further developing the projects in the nuclear energy and natural gas fields, we will capitalize on the potential of our country to become an energy hub in the region, we will develop the industry and create new jobs,” says the Prime Minister of Romania, Nicolae-Ionel Ciuca.

Romania’s PM Nicolae-Ionel Ciuca met with John Hopkins, president and CEO of NuScale, US company that will develop in Romania the technology of small modular reactors to produce nuclear energy.

The discussions emphasized the importance of the initiative ‘Global Partnership for Infrastructure’, launched within the G7 Summit, and the allocation of the USD 14mln grant for a new stage of the program for the development of small modular reactors in Romania by NuScale – the Preliminary Stage of the Front-End Engineering and Design. The Prime Minister mentioned that Romania will participate, through Societatea Naționala Nuclearelectrica, with USD 9 million to co-finance this new stage of the program, given our country’s goal to strengthen the energy profile, in line with the European vision of protecting the environment and with the decarbonization targets assumed.

The Prime Minister also welcomed the opening of a site in Doicesti, Dambovita County, for supporting the small modular reactor, and the partnership with the Polytechnic University of Bucharest, in order to develop a Centre for the exploration of NuScale energy, which would ensure nuclear experts, technicians and operators in Romania.

“The fact that the technology of small modular reactors, developed by the US company NuScale, complies with the highest nuclear safety standards is extremely important in the context where nuclear energy is a fundamental pillar through which we can obtain clean energy, at affordable prices for Romanian citizens and the national economy. Government will continue to support the projects for the development of Cernavodă reactors 3 and 4, as well as investments in renewable energy. Diversification of energy sources, resources and routes is essential for ensuring Romania’s stability and energy independence,” added the Prime-Minister.