Connection

Romania invests in nuclear expansion with two new reactors at Cernavodă

Romania plans to double its nuclear capacity by building two new CANDU reactors at Cernavodă. These units, expected to be operational in 2030 and 2031, should increase nuclear energy's share to 30% of the country's total electricity production.

Partagez:

Romania is pursuing a significant expansion of its nuclear capacity with plans to construct two new CANDU reactors at the Cernavodă power plant. These reactors, designated units 3 and 4, are expected to be operational in 2030 and 2031, each with a capacity of 675 MWe. If the project is completed as planned, nuclear energy could account for up to 30% of the country’s total electricity production, compared to around 20% currently.

This initiative is part of a long-term strategy to diversify Romania’s energy supply and strengthen its capacity to generate low-carbon energy. The project has undergone several complex phases, including the termination of a partnership with China General Nuclear Power Corporation (CGN) in 2020. Since then, Romania has shifted its partnerships, signing a contract in November 2024 with the FSCA Joint Venture consortium. The consortium, led by the American company Fluor, also includes Italy’s Ansaldo Nucleare, Canada’s AtkinsRéalis, and the US-based Sargent & Lundy Energy, with the aim of completing the construction of units 3 and 4.

At the same time, the national operator Nuclearelectrica has bolstered Romania’s energy independence by acquiring the Feldioara uranium processing plant. This acquisition aims to ensure a local supply of nuclear fuel, providing greater stability for long-term nuclear power production.

Romania is also making further efforts to diversify its low-carbon energy generation. Projects to develop small modular reactors (SMRs) in collaboration with the US company NuScale are part of this strategy, offering new options to meet the growing energy demand in the future.

Life Extension of Cernavodă Unit 1

In addition to the nuclear expansion at Cernavodă, Romania has launched a major project to extend the operational life of Unit 1 at the plant. In December 2024, a consortium led by Fluor, Ansaldo Nucleare, AtkinsRéalis, and Sargent & Lundy signed a $2.85bn contract to replace the CANDU reactor tubes in this unit. This project, which aims to extend the life of Unit 1 by 30 years, is expected to further strengthen the country’s low-carbon energy production and ensure increased energy stability.

The success of this initiative is framed within international cooperation, notably with Canada. A memorandum of understanding was signed between Romania’s Ministry of Energy and the Canadian Ministry of Natural Resources to support refurbishment efforts and the construction of new reactors at Cernavodă.

  • Populaires ​
Minéraux Stratégiques Abitibi opens talks for biomass project in Amos
US ethane imports to China set to hit record after Trump-Xi call
European gas storage reserves down 30% ahead of winter
Mexico targets up to $9bn in private investment for renewable energy
Bernard Fontana Launches 30% Cost Reduction Plan at EDF
Rosatom claims USD 2.9 billion from Finland’s Fortum and Outokumpu
The Moscow Arbitration Court postpones by nine months the trial initiated by Rosatom against Fortum and Outokumpu, seeking nearly three billion dollars following the controversial cancellation of a nuclear project in Finland.
en_1140290995540
Rosatom claims USD 2.9 billion from Finland’s Fortum and Outokumpu
The Moscow Arbitration Court postpones by nine months the trial initiated by Rosatom against Fortum and Outokumpu, seeking nearly three billion dollars following the controversial cancellation of a nuclear project in Finland.
en_1140290995540
Newcleo enters UK nuclear assessment with lead-cooled modular reactor
The UK regulator has accepted to examine Newcleo’s advanced LFR-AS-200 reactor, marking a first for a modular lead-cooled technology in the country.
en_1140290997540
Newcleo enters UK nuclear assessment with lead-cooled modular reactor
The UK regulator has accepted to examine Newcleo’s advanced LFR-AS-200 reactor, marking a first for a modular lead-cooled technology in the country.
en_1140290997540
Framatome acquires 40% of Selectarc to secure strategic metal supply
Framatome strengthens its control over the nuclear supply chain by acquiring a 40% stake in Selectarc, France’s sole producer of welding filler metals.
en_1140290984540
Framatome acquires 40% of Selectarc to secure strategic metal supply
Framatome strengthens its control over the nuclear supply chain by acquiring a 40% stake in Selectarc, France’s sole producer of welding filler metals.
en_1140290984540
Rolls-Royce SMR selected to develop UK’s first modular nuclear reactors
The UK government has selected Rolls-Royce SMR to lead the deployment of small modular reactors, aiming to secure 24 GW of nuclear capacity by 2050.
en_1140290955540
Rolls-Royce SMR selected to develop UK’s first modular nuclear reactors
The UK government has selected Rolls-Royce SMR to lead the deployment of small modular reactors, aiming to secure 24 GW of nuclear capacity by 2050.
en_1140290955540
Orano launches Project IKE with Oak Ridge office to enrich uranium in the United States
Orano USA has opened a new office in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, to lead the development of a uranium enrichment facility, marking one of the largest industrial investments in the state’s history.
en_1140290948540-5
Orano launches Project IKE with Oak Ridge office to enrich uranium in the United States
Orano USA has opened a new office in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, to lead the development of a uranium enrichment facility, marking one of the largest industrial investments in the state’s history.
en_1140290948540-5
AtkinsRéalis and EDF strengthen cooperation to accelerate global nuclear projects
AtkinsRéalis and EDF signed a strategic agreement to integrate their expertise in nuclear engineering, equipment and waste management, while preserving each country’s technological sovereignty.
en_1140290959540-5
AtkinsRéalis and EDF strengthen cooperation to accelerate global nuclear projects
AtkinsRéalis and EDF signed a strategic agreement to integrate their expertise in nuclear engineering, equipment and waste management, while preserving each country’s technological sovereignty.
en_1140290959540-5
Iran accused of illegally obtaining IAEA internal documents
The International Atomic Energy Agency confirmed that confidential documents were acquired by Iran, raising concerns about the country’s cooperation with the agency.
en_1140290947540
Iran accused of illegally obtaining IAEA internal documents
The International Atomic Energy Agency confirmed that confidential documents were acquired by Iran, raising concerns about the country’s cooperation with the agency.
en_1140290947540
Japan allows nuclear power plants to operate beyond 60 years
A new law extends the operational lifespan of nuclear reactors in Japan, enabling them to run past 60 years to meet rising energy demand and reduce reliance on fossil fuels.
en_1140290961540
Japan allows nuclear power plants to operate beyond 60 years
A new law extends the operational lifespan of nuclear reactors in Japan, enabling them to run past 60 years to meet rising energy demand and reduce reliance on fossil fuels.
en_1140290961540
Westinghouse Launches Ambitious $75 Billion Plan for 10 Nuclear Reactors
Westinghouse plans to invest $75 billion in ten nuclear reactors in the United States, responding to a presidential order aimed at significantly accelerating the expansion of nuclear energy in the country by 2030.
Westinghouse-Electric-Company-e1664881720885
Westinghouse Launches Ambitious $75 Billion Plan for 10 Nuclear Reactors
Westinghouse plans to invest $75 billion in ten nuclear reactors in the United States, responding to a presidential order aimed at significantly accelerating the expansion of nuclear energy in the country by 2030.
Westinghouse-Electric-Company-e1664881720885
Washington suspends shipments of nuclear equipment to China
The United States blocks export licenses for nuclear equipment to China, amplifying bilateral trade tensions already marked by strategic technology restrictions and possible retaliatory measures.
en_1140290951540
Washington suspends shipments of nuclear equipment to China
The United States blocks export licenses for nuclear equipment to China, amplifying bilateral trade tensions already marked by strategic technology restrictions and possible retaliatory measures.
en_1140290951540
Moscow seeks IAEA assistance to resolve nuclear dispute with Washington
Russia requests IAEA intervention to resolve the deadlock involving American nuclear fuel at the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant, a critical issue for the potential restart of the site currently under Russian control.
en_1140290957540
Moscow seeks IAEA assistance to resolve nuclear dispute with Washington
Russia requests IAEA intervention to resolve the deadlock involving American nuclear fuel at the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant, a critical issue for the potential restart of the site currently under Russian control.
en_1140290957540
NANO Nuclear strengthens its board with former U.S. Department of Energy official
NANO Nuclear Energy has appointed Intel executive and former U.S. Department of Energy leader Seth Berl as an independent director to support its strategy in advanced nuclear technologies.
Microreacteur-portable-ZEUS-NANO-Nuclear-768x364
NANO Nuclear strengthens its board with former U.S. Department of Energy official
NANO Nuclear Energy has appointed Intel executive and former U.S. Department of Energy leader Seth Berl as an independent director to support its strategy in advanced nuclear technologies.
Microreacteur-portable-ZEUS-NANO-Nuclear-768x364
France: the Cour des comptes urges action on the management of 280,000 m³ of nuclear waste
The Cour des comptes is calling on the French government to speed up efforts to locate storage sites for over 280,000 m³ of long-lived radioactive waste, which currently lacks an operational solution.
en_1140290963540-2
France: the Cour des comptes urges action on the management of 280,000 m³ of nuclear waste
The Cour des comptes is calling on the French government to speed up efforts to locate storage sites for over 280,000 m³ of long-lived radioactive waste, which currently lacks an operational solution.
en_1140290963540-2
France: Nuclear revival rejected after amendment error
The French National Assembly’s Economic Affairs Committee mistakenly rejects a crucial article on France's nuclear strategy, causing significant parliamentary confusion and casting doubt on the country’s energy targets.
en_1140290957540-4
France: Nuclear revival rejected after amendment error
The French National Assembly’s Economic Affairs Committee mistakenly rejects a crucial article on France's nuclear strategy, causing significant parliamentary confusion and casting doubt on the country’s energy targets.
en_1140290957540-4
Czech court approves $18 billion nuclear contract with KHNP
Czech court authorizes major $18 billion nuclear project, allowing Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power to proceed with the construction of a controversial power plant despite legal challenges.
en_1140290962540-3
Czech court approves $18 billion nuclear contract with KHNP
Czech court authorizes major $18 billion nuclear project, allowing Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power to proceed with the construction of a controversial power plant despite legal challenges.
en_1140290962540-3
Ansaldo Energia signs strategic nuclear agreement with Uzbekistan
Italy’s Ansaldo Energia signed a memorandum of understanding with Uzbekistan’s Uzatom agency to cooperate on advanced nuclear technologies, with a focus on small modular reactors.
en_1140290957540-3
Ansaldo Energia signs strategic nuclear agreement with Uzbekistan
Italy’s Ansaldo Energia signed a memorandum of understanding with Uzbekistan’s Uzatom agency to cooperate on advanced nuclear technologies, with a focus on small modular reactors.
en_1140290957540-3
NuScale receives US approval for 77 MWe modular reactor design
The US Nuclear Regulatory Commission has approved the uprated version of NuScale’s small modular reactor, paving the way for commercial deployment of compact nuclear projects in the United States.
en_1140290945540-2
NuScale receives US approval for 77 MWe modular reactor design
The US Nuclear Regulatory Commission has approved the uprated version of NuScale’s small modular reactor, paving the way for commercial deployment of compact nuclear projects in the United States.
en_1140290945540-2
South Korea begins site evaluation for Uganda’s first nuclear reactor
Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power signed a 26-month contract to assess a site in Uganda’s Buyende region for its first nuclear reactor, in compliance with International Atomic Energy Agency standards.
en_1140290954540-2
South Korea begins site evaluation for Uganda’s first nuclear reactor
Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power signed a 26-month contract to assess a site in Uganda’s Buyende region for its first nuclear reactor, in compliance with International Atomic Energy Agency standards.
en_1140290954540-2
EDF blocks Czech nuclear contract with KHNP on legal grounds
EDF is challenging the legality of the nuclear contract awarded to KHNP, citing potential South Korean state support in violation of EU rules, leading to a temporary suspension of the Dukovany II project.
en_1140290957540-2
EDF blocks Czech nuclear contract with KHNP on legal grounds
EDF is challenging the legality of the nuclear contract awarded to KHNP, citing potential South Korean state support in violation of EU rules, leading to a temporary suspension of the Dukovany II project.
en_1140290957540-2
enCore Energy receives licence for Texas uranium project and begins construction
Canadian company enCore Energy has received regulatory approval to extend its radioactive materials licence to the Upper Spring Creek project, initiating the construction of new ISR facilities near its Rosita site.
en_1140290945540
enCore Energy receives licence for Texas uranium project and begins construction
Canadian company enCore Energy has received regulatory approval to extend its radioactive materials licence to the Upper Spring Creek project, initiating the construction of new ISR facilities near its Rosita site.
en_1140290945540

LEGAL

FOSSILS

POLICY

RENEWABLE

PLUS

VERVANT

Welcome

Your subscription

Included in this subscription:

COMMUNICATE ON ENERGYNEWS