Cosmin Ghiță, Nuclearelectrica: Romania banks on SMRs, Generation IV reactors, and Cernavodă expansion

Europe cannot achieve its climate and energy security objectives without substantial investments in nuclear power, according to Cosmin Ghiță, CEO of Nuclearelectrica, Romania's national nuclear energy company. In a public statement, Ghiță stressed that the energy transition critically depends on this technology, asserting that "Europe needs more nuclear energy."

He explained that all credible decarbonization scenarios converge on the conclusion that climate goals, energy security, and economic competitiveness are unattainable without significant nuclear investments. Ghiță highlighted nuclear energy's role as a stable, carbon-free power source with a long operational lifespan of 60-80 years. He also pointed out that when considering life-cycle costs, nuclear remains one of the most competitive electricity sources, contrasting it with many renewable technologies that have shorter lifespans and require higher support levels.

Ghiță positioned Romania as a unique global player in developing advanced nuclear technologies. The country is simultaneously advancing several strategic nuclear projects. These include the development of Europe's first Small Modular Reactor (SMR) at Doicești, located on the site of a former coal-fired power plant. This SMR project has received positive evaluations from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and could potentially host various advanced nuclear technologies.

Additionally, Romania is involved in the ALFRED project in Mioveni, considered a key European Generation IV project focusing on lead-cooled fast reactors. In parallel, efforts continue to refurbish Unit 1 at the Cernavodă plant and develop Units 3 and 4, projects deemed essential for Romania's energy security and decarbonization targets. Ghiță mentioned that these strategic projects are progressing in collaboration with the Romanian government, but he also cautioned about administrative delays that need resolution to fulfill commitments made through parliamentary-approved support agreements.

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multe tehnologii regenerabile au o durată de viață semnificativ mai redusă și necesită niveluri mai ridicate de sprijin și subvenționare per MWh pe parcursul existenței lor.