Romania is enhancing its nuclear power capabilities with new Candu reactors, marking the first construction of such reactors since 2007.
- A joint venture, including Candu Energy, AtkinsRéalis, and other engineering firms, will lead this nuclear expansion.
- The initiative is supported by substantial export finance from Canada, highlighting international collaboration.
- Romania’s extension of nuclear facilities aligns with its commitment to reducing carbon emissions and bolstering energy security.
- By utilising Candu technology, Romania aims to strengthen its position in regional energy dynamics and contribute to medical isotope production.
Romania is poised to significantly enhance its nuclear power capabilities through the addition of two new Candu reactors at the Cernavoda Nuclear Generating Station. This marks the first new construction of these reactors globally since 2007. Developed in Canada using deuterium oxide and uranium, Candu reactors are known for their efficiency and reliability. Through this development, Romania is set to almost double its nuclear power capacity, thereby fortifying its energy infrastructure.
The project is a collaborative effort led by Candu Energy, an AtkinsRéalis company based in Ontario, alongside partners like Fluor Corporation, Ansaldo Nucleare, and Sargent & Lundy. This conglomerate will provide essential design, engineering, and procurement services, working in compliance with EU regulations and under the auspices of Romania’s nuclear regulatory body, CNCAN. The initial phase, valued at £177 million, provides a foundation for further development contingent upon commercial terms.
A total of £2.37 billion in funding, sourced predominantly from Canadian export finance and other international contributors, underscores the global cooperation driving this venture. Ian L. Edwards, CEO of AtkinsRéalis, describes the contract as a transformative venture that signifies a resurgence in the construction of large nuclear reactors.
The Cernavoda site, currently operating two Candu 6 reactors since 1996 and 2007, contributes approximately 20% of Romania’s energy needs, offering a robust solution for uninterrupted power. The facility is celebrated for its operational efficiency and record-setting capacity utilisation, thus reinforcing Romania’s commitment to carbon reduction and energy reliability.
In addition to energy production, Candu reactors have the capacity to produce medical isotopes such as Cobalt-60, which are vital for sterilising medical equipment and aiding in cancer treatments. Canada’s reactors are pivotal, supplying nearly half of the global demand for these isotopes, thereby extending the impact of nuclear technology beyond electricity generation.
Leaders in Romania and Canada have voiced strong support for this project, viewing it as a critical step towards energy security and a cleaner energy future. The project is seen as pivotal for Romania’s aspirations to diminish reliance on coal energy, positioning the nation as a key figure in Eastern Europe’s energy landscape. Furthermore, Candu reactors enhance energy security by using unenriched uranium, reducing dependency on foreign fuel processing. The project exemplifies a forward-thinking approach to secure, sustainable, and diversified energy resources.
Romania’s investment in new Candu reactors signifies a substantial advancement in its nuclear capacity and energy strategy.
