SUBSCRIBE
PROFILE

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.

Share:

Comprehensive energy news coverage, updated nonstop

Annual subscription

8.25$/month*

*billed annually at 99$/year for the first year then 149,00$/year ​

Unlimited access • Archives included • Professional invoice

SUBSCRIBE - 99$/year

OTHER ACCESS OPTIONS

Monthly subscription

Unlimited access • Archives included

5.2$/month*
then 14.90$ per month thereafter

FREE ACCOUNT

3 articles offered per month

FREE

*Prices are excluding VAT, which may vary depending on your location or professional status

Since 2021: 35,000 articles • 150+ analyses per week

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.

  • Popular on energynews.pro
Cenovus completes MEG Energy acquisition in $5.0bn deal
ReNew to invest $9.33bn in India in large-scale energy portfolio
Japan targets 12.5 Mtpa carbon capture capacity by 2035 despite cross-border hurdles
Sattel secures licence for solar power plant in Kongo-Central
Ethiopia accelerates geothermal projects to reduce reliance on diesel
EDF expands access to nuclear contracts in response to regulatory changes
EDF is opening access to its long-term nuclear supply contracts to companies consuming more than 7 GWh per year, an adjustment driven by the gradual end of the Arenh mechanism.
South Korea extends operation of Kori 2 nuclear reactor until 2033
South Korean authorities have approved the continued operation of the Kori 2 reactor for an additional eight years, marking a key milestone in the national nuclear strategy.
Brazil launches BRL50mn microreactor project for 5 MW capacity
A public-private consortium is developing a 5 MW thermal microreactor designed to operate without refuelling for ten years, marking a strategic step in Brazil's nuclear innovation efforts.
Flamanville EPR reaches 80% output as EDF stays on schedule
EDF has announced that the Flamanville EPR reactor is now operating at 80% of its capacity. The target of reaching full output by the end of autumn remains confirmed by the utility.
Oklo secures key approval for upcoming nuclear fuel facility
The accelerated approval of the Aurora facility’s nuclear safety plan marks a strategic milestone in rebuilding a domestic nuclear fuel production line in the United States.
Industrikraft takes 20% stake in Videberg Kraft to support Ringhals nuclear project
The Industrikraft consortium will invest SEK400mn ($42.2mn) to become a shareholder in Videberg Kraft, marking a new phase in Sweden’s nuclear project led by Vattenfall on the Värö Peninsula.
Westinghouse secures $114mn contract to supply fuel to Paks nuclear plant
MVM Group has signed an agreement with Westinghouse to secure VVER-440 fuel supplies from 2028, reducing its reliance on Russia and strengthening nuclear cooperation between Budapest and Washington.
TVEL resumes nuclear cooperation with Vietnam through new fuel delivery
The delivery of nuclear fuel by Russian subsidiary TVEL to the Da Lat research reactor marks a key step in strengthening the nuclear commercial partnership between Moscow and Hanoi.
X-energy signs $40mn agreement with Toyo Tanso for initial Xe-100 reactors
US supplier X-energy has formalised a graphite supply contract with Japan's Toyo Tanso for the construction of its first four small modular reactors, in partnership with Dow and backed by the US Department of Energy.
Enveniam appointed lead integrator for LIST Technologies’ laser uranium enrichment project
US-based Enveniam has signed an agreement with LIS Technologies Inc. to oversee the design and construction of a new laser-based uranium enrichment facility on American soil.
Newcleo considers shifting €16bn nuclear projects from the UK to the United States
Faced with shorter approval timelines, several European nuclear firms, including Newcleo, Orano and Urenco, are considering relocating key industrial investments to the United States.
Swedish industrial players inject €36.4mn into Vattenfall’s future nuclear reactors
A consortium led by Swedish giants such as ABB, SSAB and Volvo will invest SEK400mn to support the development of small modular nuclear reactors through a strategic partnership with Vattenfall.
India and Russia strengthen nuclear cooperation with new projects
Russia and India are preparing an expanded agreement for the construction of VVER-1200 reactors and modular nuclear power plants, while accelerating work at the strategic Kudankulam site.
Fusion Fuel Cycles joint venture begins construction of UNITY-2 test facility
Fusion Fuel Cycles has begun work on its UNITY-2 facility, a unique test bench designed to validate the full tritium fuel cycle under fusion conditions, marking a key step toward fusion energy.
Framatome launches pilot line for TRISO nuclear fuel in France
Framatome will produce TRISO fuel at Romans-sur-Isère as part of a pilot project for advanced nuclear reactors, in partnership with actors such as Blue Capsule Technology.
Sweden lifts uranium mining ban starting January 2026
Sweden’s parliament has approved a major reform authorising uranium extraction, opening the door to a reassessment of the economic potential of mining projects containing this strategic mineral.
Koeberg Unit 2 granted 20-year extension for nuclear operation
South Africa's regulator has authorised Koeberg Unit 2 to operate until 2045 following maintenance work and a long-term safety assessment.
Orano recovers its representative in Niger amid growing nuclear tensions
French nuclear group Orano has confirmed the release of its representative in Niger, detained since May, as tensions remain high with the country’s junta over control of uranium assets.
EDF turns to digital solutions to support France’s nuclear revival
EDF launches a sovereign digital platform to secure data exchanges between nuclear stakeholders, aiming to accelerate the construction of future EPR2 reactors.
ONE Nuclear outlines its strategy ahead of expected 2026 public listing
ONE Nuclear Energy publishes a virtual presentation for investors detailing its industrial vision, ahead of its merger with Hennessy Capital Investment Corp. VII expected in the first half of 2026.

All the latest energy news, all the time

Annual subscription

8.25$/month*

*billed annually at 99$/year for the first year then 149,00$/year ​

Unlimited access - Archives included - Pro invoice

START - 99$/year

Monthly subscription

Unlimited access • Archives included

5.2$/month*
then 14.90$ per month thereafter

*Prices shown are exclusive of VAT, which may vary according to your location or professional status.

Since 2021: 30,000 articles - +150 analyses/week.