Nuclearelectrica urges accelerated nuclear investments for climate and energy security

Nuclearelectrica, Romania's state-owned nuclear power company, is urging the acceleration of investments in nuclear energy projects, deeming them a strategic imperative for the nation. The company advocates for the simultaneous development of reactors 3 and 4 at the Cernavodă plant, the refurbishment of Unit 1, and the implementation of small modular reactors (SMRs).

This push aligns with evolving European Union policies that increasingly emphasize expanding nuclear power capacity to ensure long-term energy security and meet rising electricity demand. Nuclearelectrica points to the European Commission's Electrification Action Plan, which supports advanced nuclear technologies like SMRs.

The company's investment strategy centers on three key areas: refurbishing Unit 1, constructing Units 3 and 4, and developing SMR projects. Nuclearelectrica argues that implementing both CANDU technology and SMRs concurrently is crucial for strengthening Romania's national energy system. "The accelerated implementation of both technologies, CANDU and SMR, thus the simultaneous increase of nuclear capacities, in line with the National Plan, represents a necessity that can make a significant difference in managing climate change, with a direct positive impact on the Romanian energy system and consumers," the company stated.

Nuclearelectrica also stressed the need to adapt nuclear programs to the effects of climate change, integrating technologies capable of operating under increasingly challenging conditions. The SMR project, initiated in 2019, is designed to address both the need for new production capacity and climate change challenges. The company believes that anticipating these needs and implementing projects swiftly is vital for Romania's energy security. Looking ahead, Nuclearelectrica envisions an energy system built on the synergy between nuclear technology and renewable energy sources, with CANDU reactors providing constant production.

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The accelerated implementation of both technologies, CANDU and SMR, thus the simultaneous increase of nuclear capacities, in line with the National Plan, represents a necessity that can make a significant difference in managing climate change, with a direct positive impact on the Romanian energy system and consumers.