The MoU brings together world class expertise and valuable experiences focused on potentially expanding and developing small modular reactors (SMRs) in CEE and at the former coal-fired power plant in Doicesti, Romania.
The combined expertise of Nuclearelectrica, NuScale Power, E-INFRA, Nova Power & Gas, Fluor Enterprises and Samsung C&T Corporation will provide support for SMR deployment and implementation of NuScale’s SMR power plant in critical areas of development such as: project planning, licensing, permitting, engineering, procurement, construction, operation, maintenance, decommissioning, financing and local resources capitalization, thus enabling regional SMR like-minded states to benefit from the experience and deploy SMRs safely and in line with the national energy needs.
“The SMR deployment is an unprecedented international cooperation effort entirely dedicated to meet energy and decarbonization need. The SMR project will ensure energy security, local and regional development, former coal-based facility repowering, and will bring multiple economic and social benefits. From financing support to technical support, SMR deployment, in Romania and internationally, benefits from the joined effort of highly experienced and skilled states and organizations. We are proud that, based on Nuclearelectrica’s 26 years of recognized performance, Romania won the trust of our international partners and is part of the global nuclear elite working together to meet energy security and decarbonization demands,” said Cosmin Ghita, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Nuclearelectrica.
“First and foremost, I am honored to participate in the Romanian SMR project with such outstanding partners in the global nuclear industry. For Romania and Europe to accomplish energy conversion and the carbon-neutral 2050 goal, I believe the Romanian SMR project is a very important first milestone (…),” said Se Chul Oh, President & Chief Executive Officer, Samsung C&T Corporation.
“NuScale is excited to continue our collaboration with our partners to advance the deployment of our leading SMR technology to Central and Eastern Europe and in particular in Romania with the Doicesti project” said John Hopkins, NuScale Power President and Chief Executive Officer. “Partnerships like those announced today are critical for SMR deployment and in meeting our global decarbonization goals”.
Romania is the second country in the world after U.S. and the first in Europe to join the drive for energy independence with one of the most advanced nuclear energy technologies, NuScale’s innovative SMR technology.
SMR Project in Romania will provide more than 190 permanent jobs, and more than 1,500 construction jobs, and 2,300 production jobs. Thousands more jobs will be generated by companies interested in investing in the area because they will have access to a clean, stable, affordable, constant source of energy. The SMR plant in Doicesti will support industrial activity in the area, which will develop the region through taxes to the state and local budget, investments in communities.
“Nuclear power is a safe, affordable and clean source of energy, available 24/7, with extensive operational experience, which has been helping to decarbonize economies around the world for more than half a decade and currently supplies more than 10% of the electricity consumed worldwide and approximately 20% in Romania. We are proud to be aligned with the most notable international efforts in order to supply Romania at the end of this decade with 66% of its total clean energy through nuclear energy,” added Cosmin Ghita.