Connection

popular articles

TotalEnergies targets production of 220,000 barrels/day in Suriname
Nigeria aims for a 140% increase with Seplat Energy
TAQA and EWEC commit to 1 GW open-cycle gas power plant in Al Dhafra
Adani Green Energy commissions 250 MW solar plant in Rajasthan
Supermajors Vie for Stake in Galp’s Massive Mopane Oil Discovery in Namibia

The United States expands nuclear and hydropower footprint in Eastern Europe

The United States is multiplying energy agreements with Romania and Bulgaria, focusing on civil nuclear power and hydropower storage to deepen its influence in strategic regional projects.
  • [favorite_button]

Please share:

U.S. Secretary of Energy Chris Wright held several bilateral meetings with the energy ministers of Romania and Bulgaria to strengthen cooperation on large-scale energy projects. Discussions focused on pumped-storage hydropower plants and nuclear power facilities.

Romania formalised the signing of a memorandum of understanding between state-owned Hidroelectrica and the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), a U.S. government-affiliated body, to develop pumped-storage plants in the Carpathian Mountains. According to Romanian Minister of Energy Sebastian Burduja, pre-feasibility and feasibility studies will be carried out with American support.

Nuclear projects and strategic interconnections

Burduja also noted that several U.S. companies are engaged in strategic projects in Romania. These include a small modular reactor (SMR) project led by NuScale in Doicești and a contract with Fluor and Sargent & Lundy for the construction of units 3 and 4 at the Cernavodă nuclear power plant. Fluor is also participating in a high-voltage direct current (HVDC) interconnection project aimed at reinforcing the stability of Romania’s power grid.

Another area of cooperation involves mapping and exploiting geothermal resources for district heating in Bucharest. Electrocentrale București (ELCEN) is working on this initiative with U.S.-based SAGE Geosystems, with partial funding from the European Union’s Modernisation Fund.

Technological deployment in Bulgaria

Bulgaria, for its part, aims to become the first European country to deploy AP1000 nuclear technology developed by Westinghouse Electric. Energy Minister Zhecho Stankov stated that two new reactors will be added to the Kozloduy nuclear plant, which is managed by state-owned Bulgarian Energy Holding.

Cooperation also includes new pumped-storage hydropower projects and oil and gas exploration in the Black Sea. In parallel, both countries discussed the potential for creating gigafactories incorporating artificial intelligence technologies into nuclear infrastructure, with the goal of fostering employment and innovation.

These announcements were made during the 2025 Three Seas Initiative Business Forum held in Warsaw, further confirming the growing presence of U.S. interests in the Eastern European energy sector.

Register free of charge for uninterrupted access.

Publicite

Latest news

New Mexico launches public investment plan to produce 163 GW of geothermal energy
CGC launches Vaca Muerta project and bets on heavy crude
Emissions expected to surge in Texas with 130 gas plant projects
Turbotech validates hydrogen turboprop using Ansys simulation
Brussels increases pressure on states to guarantee affordable energy

Recently published in

Russia Proposes Converting Iranian Nuclear Excess into Energy Fuel

Russia declares itself ready to retrieve and transform Iran’s excess nuclear materials into fuel, a proposal aimed at easing tense nuclear negotiations between Iran and the United States.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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

Iran targeted by resolution plan after secret nuclear activities revealed

The International Atomic Energy Agency revealed that Iran conducted undeclared nuclear activities at three sites, which could lead to a non-compliance resolution by mid-June.
EDF invests in a nuclear plant at Cordemais after coal phase-out
EDF plans a new nuclear pipework factory at Cordemais by 2028, confirming the end of coal-fired power in France and the site's industrial conversion.
en_1140290953540-16
EDF invests in a nuclear plant at Cordemais after coal phase-out
EDF plans a new nuclear pipework factory at Cordemais by 2028, confirming the end of coal-fired power in France and the site's industrial conversion.
en_1140290953540-16
Uranium Royalty acquires royalty on uranium project in Nunavut
Uranium Royalty Corp. invests CAD1mn ($730,000) in a 2% royalty on Forum Energy Metals’ Aberdeen project, located near one of the world’s largest undeveloped uranium deposits.
en_1140290945540-15
Uranium Royalty acquires royalty on uranium project in Nunavut
Uranium Royalty Corp. invests CAD1mn ($730,000) in a 2% royalty on Forum Energy Metals’ Aberdeen project, located near one of the world’s largest undeveloped uranium deposits.
en_1140290945540-15
NexGen Announces Record Uranium Discovery at Patterson Corridor East
NexGen Energy unveils exceptional assay results at the Patterson Corridor East site, with uranium intercepts among the highest concentrations globally, highlighting the growing economic relevance of this strategic area for the nuclear industry.
en_1140290946540-15
NexGen Announces Record Uranium Discovery at Patterson Corridor East
NexGen Energy unveils exceptional assay results at the Patterson Corridor East site, with uranium intercepts among the highest concentrations globally, highlighting the growing economic relevance of this strategic area for the nuclear industry.
en_1140290946540-15

Advertising

LEGAL

FOSSILS

POLICY

RENEWABLE

PLUS

VERVANT

Welcome

Your subscription

Included in this subscription:

COMMUNICATE ON ENERGYNEWS