Sources within Nuclearelectrica told MEDIAFAX that Ansaldo Nucleare supplied the classical part (the turbine and the auxiliary equipment) of the first and second nuclear reactors in Cernavoda, and they might still do that for the two new reactors. They also said negotiations with China General Nuclear Power Corporation are underway and after their completion, the next stage targets investors’ agreement and the setup of a joint-venture, but this could take one to two years.
The project entails the construction of two new CANDU 6-type nuclear reactors in Cernavoda, each with an installed capacity of 700 MWh and a 30-year lifespan, which may be extended for another 25 years. Doubling the production capacity at the nuclear power plant in Cernavoda, by building two new units, is seen as a major competitive advantage on a medium and long term, considering that Romania holds the entire nuclear production cycle: raw material (Romanian-made nuclear fuel, heavy water), special infrastructure and skilled staff.
The project for the construction of the third and fourth nuclear reactors, previously estimated at EUR6.4 billion, will be updated by a joint-venture to be set up by Nuclearelectrica and China General Nuclear Power Corporation. The Chinese company will hold 51% or more in the planned joint-venture and Romania will own at least 30%.
The Cernavoda plant, the sole nuclear power facility in Romania, currently operates two 700-megawatt reactors, covering 18%- 20% of the country’s energy consumption.