popular articles

Romania ready for an SMR

The International Atomic Energy Agency is concluding a SEED (Site and External Events Design) review for an SMR project in Romania.

Please share:

Romania intends to develop nuclear energy, through the deployment of an SMR. IAEA is completing a safety review of a first SMR site.

SMRs are smaller than traditional reactors and have lower initial capital costs. Being smaller, they have shorter construction times but one third the production capacity of a large reactor. However, they pose less risk to the public in the event of an accident.

Romania asks for expertise

The Romanian government had previously selected Doicesti as the preferred site for the SMR. This choice was made following an in-depth expertise. In addition, Romania has asked the IAEA to conduct a site survey.

This SEED (Site and External Events Design) mission took place to determine the right location. In addition, the IAEA conducted this assessment according to its own safety criteria.

Thus, Paolo Contri of the IAEA, spoke about the objectives of this comprehensive review:

“The recommendations made will help Romania prepare for the construction of the SMR, ensuring that site safety issues are carefully considered early in the process and that alternative sites are available in case the selected site does not meet requirements.”

The mission team included three experts from Germany, Turkey and the United Kingdom.

This type of expertise allows us to ensure several stages of project development. In fact, it helps to review the site selection, design of structures, systems and components. This, while taking into account all the risks that such an installation on the site can imply.

Development of nuclear power in the country

The Romanian SMR project is part of the country’s strategy to expand and modernize its nuclear power program. To date, Romania has only one nuclear power plant located in Cernavoda. It produces about 18% of the country’s electricity.

Cosmin Ghita, CEO of Societatea Nationala Nuclearelectrica, emphasized the importance of the review conducted by the IAEA. To develop such a project, it is necessary to respect strict safety standards.

In addition, the country can be used as an example for other countries wishing to develop the same technology. He is even willing to share his experience on strategic and technical aspects.

Register free of charge for uninterrupted access.

Publicite

Recently published in

The evaluation of debris extracted from Fukushima, crucial for dismantling planning, could last up to a year, according to Tepco, the operator of the Japanese nuclear plant.
The Trump administration plans to support nuclear energy and domestic uranium production. However, questions remain about future budgets and priorities amid competing spending demands.
The Trump administration plans to support nuclear energy and domestic uranium production. However, questions remain about future budgets and priorities amid competing spending demands.
C5 Capital and Sibanye-Stillwater join forces to develop advanced nuclear energy projects in South Africa, the United States, and beyond, supporting the global energy transition with innovative solutions.
C5 Capital and Sibanye-Stillwater join forces to develop advanced nuclear energy projects in South Africa, the United States, and beyond, supporting the global energy transition with innovative solutions.
The final shipment of vitrified nuclear waste between France and Germany has reached Philippsburg. This transfer concludes recycling contracts signed since 1977 with four German operators.
The final shipment of vitrified nuclear waste between France and Germany has reached Philippsburg. This transfer concludes recycling contracts signed since 1977 with four German operators.
Hungary proposes a budget increase for its Paks II nuclear project, a strategic initiative funded by Russia but facing technical, economic, and geopolitical challenges.
Enel, Leonardo, and Ansaldo Nucleare join forces to study small modular reactors, marking a potential turning point for nuclear energy in Italy after decades of withdrawal.
Enel, Leonardo, and Ansaldo Nucleare join forces to study small modular reactors, marking a potential turning point for nuclear energy in Italy after decades of withdrawal.
Orano temporarily suspends uranium extraction activities in Niger
Orano temporarily suspends uranium extraction activities in Niger
Rafael Grossi, head of the IAEA, visits Iran to inspect the Fordo and Natanz sites. This visit comes as Tehran seeks to dispel doubts about its nuclear ambitions.
Rafael Grossi, head of the IAEA, visits Iran to inspect the Fordo and Natanz sites. This visit comes as Tehran seeks to dispel doubts about its nuclear ambitions.
At COP29, six countries joined an ambitious declaration to triple global nuclear capacity by 2050, bringing the number of signatories to 31, backed by major financial institutions.
EDF projects a strategic decision for its first six EPR reactors in 2026, with sites for eight additional ones to be determined the same year, as part of France's energy strategy.
EDF projects a strategic decision for its first six EPR reactors in 2026, with sites for eight additional ones to be determined the same year, as part of France's energy strategy.
Vietnam plans to reactivate its nuclear program, halted in 2016, to support rapid industrialization and meet increasing energy demands while aiming for carbon neutrality by 2050.
Vietnam plans to reactivate its nuclear program, halted in 2016, to support rapid industrialization and meet increasing energy demands while aiming for carbon neutrality by 2050.
Great British Nuclear evaluates technologies from GE Hitachi, Holtec, Rolls-Royce SMR, and Westinghouse to select the modular reactors that will shape the country’s energy future.
Great British Nuclear evaluates technologies from GE Hitachi, Holtec, Rolls-Royce SMR, and Westinghouse to select the modular reactors that will shape the country’s energy future.
At COP29, Rafael Grossi, Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), emphasizes the inclusion of nuclear energy in climate financing, while targeting a regulated access approach for developing countries.
IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi visits Iran to revive inspections and seek a diplomatic resolution on Iran's nuclear program amid growing international tensions.
IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi visits Iran to revive inspections and seek a diplomatic resolution on Iran's nuclear program amid growing international tensions.
Niger opens its doors to Russian companies for the exploration of its natural wealth, marking a strategic shift as tensions persist with French companies, particularly over uranium.
Niger opens its doors to Russian companies for the exploration of its natural wealth, marking a strategic shift as tensions persist with French companies, particularly over uranium.
Framatome opens offices in Milan and Turin, marking a new step in Franco-Italian cooperation for the development of nuclear energy in Europe.
Framatome opens offices in Milan and Turin, marking a new step in Franco-Italian cooperation for the development of nuclear energy in Europe.
Poland strengthens its nuclear cooperation with Japan and the Netherlands, enhancing its capacity for its energy transition program.
A sample of radioactive debris from the Fukushima power plant has been secretly transported to a laboratory near Tokyo. This crucial step is part of the lengthy decommissioning process, which is expected to take several more decades.
A sample of radioactive debris from the Fukushima power plant has been secretly transported to a laboratory near Tokyo. This crucial step is part of the lengthy decommissioning process, which is expected to take several more decades.
EDF hopes to finalize new long-term electricity contracts with energy-intensive industries by the end of the year, despite criticism over high electricity prices, which threaten their competitiveness.
EDF hopes to finalize new long-term electricity contracts with energy-intensive industries by the end of the year, despite criticism over high electricity prices, which threaten their competitiveness.
EDF challenges Czech decision on nuclear contract awarded to KHNP
EDF challenges Czech decision on nuclear contract awarded to KHNP
Despite extreme weather conditions this summer, offline nuclear capacity in the United States decreased by 16% compared to 2023, thanks to a reduction in unplanned outages, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA).
The startup Calogena has taken a crucial step forward in its low-power nuclear boiler project for urban heating, submitting an application for approval to the Nuclear Safety Authority (ASN).
The startup Calogena has taken a crucial step forward in its low-power nuclear boiler project for urban heating, submitting an application for approval to the Nuclear Safety Authority (ASN).
For the first time since 2011, a sample of radioactive debris was extracted from the damaged reactors at the Fukushima nuclear plant. This breakthrough paves the way for new analyses essential to the decommissioning process.
For the first time since 2011, a sample of radioactive debris was extracted from the damaged reactors at the Fukushima nuclear plant. This breakthrough paves the way for new analyses essential to the decommissioning process.
During Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev's visit to Paris, Emmanuel Macron strengthened the strategic partnership between France and Kazakhstan, offering French expertise to support the development of civilian nuclear energy in Kazakhstan.
During Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev's visit to Paris, Emmanuel Macron strengthened the strategic partnership between France and Kazakhstan, offering French expertise to support the development of civilian nuclear energy in Kazakhstan.

Advertising