A Memorandum of Understanding has been signed by Nuclearelectrica, NuScale Power, E-INFRA, Nova Power & Gas, Fluor Enterprises and Samsung C&T Corporation (13 June). The agreement aims to collaborate on the deployment of NuScale VOYGR Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) in Central and Eastern Europe with a specific focus on Romania.
The Memorandum brings together Romanian and global companies with the goal of developing and expanding the deployment of small modular reactors (SMRs) in Central and Eastern Europe, particularly at the former coal-fired power plant in Doicesti, Romania.
By combining the expertise of Nuclearelectrica, NuScale Power, E-INFRA, Nova Power & Gas, Fluor Enterprises, and Samsung C&T Corporation, the collaboration aims to provide comprehensive support for SMR deployment and the implementation of NuScale’s SMR power plant. This support will cover project planning, licensing, permitting, engineering, procurement, construction, operation, maintenance, decommissioning, financing, and capitalising on local resources.
This will enable like-minded states in the region to benefit from this collective experience and safely deploy SMRs in line with their national energy needs, Nuclearelectrica said in a press release.
“The SMR deployment is an unprecedented international cooperation effort entirely dedicated to meeting energy and decarbonisation needs. The SMR project will ensure energy security, local and regional development, and 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 organisations. We are proud that, based on Nuclearelectrica’s 26 years of recognised performance, Romania won the trust of our international partners and is part of the global nuclear elite working together to meet energy security and decarbonisation demands,” said Cosmin Ghita, Chief Executive Officer of Nuclearelectrica.
Romania will become the first country in Europe to adopt NuScale’s advanced nuclear energy technology. SMRs will enable Romania to drive job creation, be a hub for SMR production and be a catalyst for regional SMR implementation, Nuclearelectrica said. The SMR project in Doicesti is expected to generate over 190 permanent jobs, 1,500 construction jobs, and 2,300 production jobs.
“First and foremost, I am honoured 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. Samsung C&T is successfully carrying out the UAE Barakah Nuclear Power Plant project, which is Korea’s first nuclear power plant export, and Saeul Nuclear Power Plants 3 and 4 in the Republic of Korea. Based on our more than 30 years of experience in the nuclear power industry, we are winning the confidence of international partners. We are pleased to be a part of this initiative and will do our best to succeed,” said Se Chul Oh, President and Chief Executive Officer of Samsung C&T Corporation.
