Bucharest, June 13, 2023 – A Memorandum of Understanding for collaboration in the implementation of NuScale Voygr power plants in Central and Eastern Europe (CEE), including Romania, was initialed between Nuclearelectrica, NuScale Power, E-INFRA, Nova Power & Gas, Fluor Enterprises and Samsung C&T Corporation.
According to a Nuclearelectrica press release, the document brings together world-class expertise and valuable experiences focused on the potential expansion and development of the implementation of small modular reactors in Central and Eastern Europe, but also at the former coal-fired power plant in Doicesti, Romania.
“The combined expertise of Nuclearelectrica, NuScale Power, E-INFRA, Nova Power & Gas, Fluor Enterprises, and Samsung C&T Corporation will support SMR development and the implementation of NuScale SMR plants in important areas of development, such as project planning, obtaining licenses and authorizations, engineering, procurement, construction, operation, maintenance, decommissioning, financing and capitalization of local resources, thus allowing regional states that share the same interest in the development of small modular reactors (SMRs) to benefit from experience and implement SMRs under conditions of safety and in accordance with national energy needs”, the press release states.
Romania is the second country in the world, after the US, and the first in Europe to join the effort for energy independence with one of the most advanced nuclear energy technologies, NuScale’s innovative SMR technology. Thus, Romania will obtain a leading position and multiple socio-economic benefits, including a hub to support the production and assembly of SMR components, a training and education center for future operators and specialists, as well as a catalyst for the implementation of SMR in the region and a preferred operator for the next SMR projects to come.
“Nuclear energy is a safe, affordable and clean 24/7 energy source with extensive operational experience that has been contributing to the decarbonization of economies around the world for more than half a decade and providing currently more than 10% of the electricity consumed worldwide and about 20% in Romania. We are proud to align ourselves with the most notable international efforts to provide Romania, by the end of this decade, with 66% of all clean energy through nuclear power “, said Cosmin Ghiţă, Chief Executive Officer of Nuclearelectrica.
The SMR project in Romania will provide over 190 permanent jobs and over 1,500 jobs in construction and 2,300 jobs in production. Thousands more jobs will be generated by companies interested in investing in the area, having access to a clean, stable, affordable and safe energy source.
“The implementation of small modular reactors is an unprecedented international cooperation effort to meet energy and decarbonization needs. The SMR project will ensure energy security, local and regional development, reuse of former coal-fired power plant sites and will provide multiple economic benefits and social. From financial support to technical support, the implementation of SMR, in Romania and internationally, benefits from the joint effort of states and organizations with special experience and skills. We are proud that, based on the 26 years of recognized performance of Nuclearelectrica, Romania has won the trust of our international partners and is part of the global nuclear elite that works together to meet energy security and decarbonization requirements,” added Ghiţă.
The SMR plant from Doiceşti will support industrial activity in the area, which will develop the region through taxes to the state and local budgets, investments in communities.
Nuclearelectrica SA is the Romanian national company producing electricity, heat and nuclear fuel that operates under the authority of the Ministry of Energy, the Romanian state holds 82.49% of the shares, and the other shareholders 17.50%, after the company was listed on the stock exchange in 2013. SNN operates through the Cernavoda Nuclear Power Plant, two CANDU nuclear units, which are two of the most performing units among the more than 400 nuclear power plants in the world, a nuclear fuel plant and completed the integrated fuel cycle by purchasing a uranium concentrate processing line, in order to support the company’s long-term investment projects.
NuScale Power Corporation (NYSE: SMR) is the leading provider of advanced, innovative and patented small modular reactor nuclear technology with a mission to contribute to the global energy transition by providing safe, scalable and reliable energy with zero carbon emissions. Founded in 2007, the company is headquartered in Portland, Oregon.
E-INFRA is a Romanian private group of companies, active in the field of energy and civil infrastructure, with over 26 years of experience in the delivery of large-scale projects, both nationally and internationally.
Nova Power & Gas is a private company from Romania, active on the electricity and natural gas market since 2007. The company is a distributor and supplier of electricity and natural gas, as well as a producer of green energy, with an emphasis on the development of renewable power plants.
Fluor Corporation (NYSE: FLR) has 40,000 employees who provide professional and technical solutions that ensure safe, well-executed, and capital-efficient projects for clients around the world. In 2022, Fluor was ranked 259th on the Fortune 500 list of companies.
Samsung C&T’s engineering and construction group has over 40 years of experience in the field, focusing on commercial and residential construction, civil infrastructure, and plant installation and construction. Among its reference projects are the Burj Khalifa – the tallest building in the world, and the 5,600 MW Barakah nuclear power plant project in the United Arab Emirates.
