Romania initiates extensive modifications to expand the functional lifespan of the Cernavoda nuclear reactor by three decades

Romania's energy landscape is set for a significant change, as the country's only nuclear power plant, Cernavoda, undergoes a major overhaul. The groundbreaking ceremony for the refurbishment of Cernavoda's Unit 1 was attended by Romanian Minister of Energy Bogdan Ivan, who stated that the project would ensure another 30 years of environmentally friendly electricity.

The reactor, which has been in operation since 1996, boasts a capacity of around 700 MW. The reconstruction project, valued at approximately USD 2.01 billion, will extend the operating life of Cernavoda's Unit 1 by 30 years, as its 30-year license is set to expire in 2027.

Last December, Romania's state-run Nuclearelectrica signed an agreement with an international consortium, led by Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power Co. (KHNP), for the overhaul of the unit. The group of contractors also includes Canada's AtkinsRealis, the Canadian Commercial Corporation, Italy's Ansaldo Nucleare, and several Canadian companies such as Cameco Fuel Manufacturing, Nu-Tech Precision Metals, BWXT, and Promation. Four other South Korean firms - Kepco Plant Service & Engineering, Doosan Enerbility, Hyundai Engineering & Construction, and Samsung C&T - will participate as project partners.

The works include the complete replacement of the reactor systems, power-generating turbines, and the construction of new infrastructure. Certain phases of the construction of Units 3 and 4 at Cernavoda have already begun, as Romania prepares to invest EUR 11 billion in their construction.

The overhaul of Cernavoda's Unit 1 is part of Romania's efforts to seek alternatives to imported electricity, one of which is nuclear energy. The country has shut down about 56% of its coal- and natural gas-fired capacity over the last 10 years, and now imports 22% of the electricity it consumes due to the closure of coal and natural gas plants. Minister Bogdan Ivan stated that the project represents the future of Romania's energy security.

In seven years' time, Romania could become a net exporter of electricity, thanks to the increased capacity from the refurbished Unit 1 and the construction of Units 3 and 4. This would not only secure Romania's energy independence but also contribute to the European Union's goal of reducing carbon emissions. According to a report by Profit.ro, the Minister of Energy Bogdan Ivan stated that the project is a significant step towards Romania's energy independence and the future of its energy security.