The year 2027 could be “a little ambitious” term, with a 100% probability for the commissioning of the first nuclear power plant with small SMR reactors in Europe, which will be developed in Doicesti, the GM of Nuclearelectrica, Cosmin Ghita said on Monday.
“Until 2027, I think there are not the best chances. We have assumed the deadline to put the first module into operation in this decade. (…) It is clear that in this decade we will be able to do this, but I think 2027 could be a bit of an ambitious term, or not necessarily, with a 100% probability to be implemented, which is why I think it is important to have plan B and plan C. At the same time, the project we have committed to is of 462 megawatts,” said Cosmin Ghiţă, according to Agerpres.
He stressed that the project is taking place with a much faster schedule than of normal power plants due to the fact that “they are mainly prefabricated, which helps a lot with the construction time – and hence the economic efficiency given by these projects.” At the same time, the GM of Nuclearelectrica emphasized that construction techniques have advanced and a method could be found to be applied in nuclear installations, using proven technologies.
Regarding the plans assumed by Nuclearelectrica for 2032, they provide, among other things, the modernizing of Unit 1, “which will give the cheapest source of clean energy production in Romania.”
“Reengineered nuclear plants are the cheapest sources of electricity without carbon emissions. We have made our plan until 2032: the construction of Units 3 and 4, including their commissioning – and an SMR-type plant with a capacity of 462 megawatts (…) As you saw in the support agreement that was published on the website of the Ministry of Energy – and I really want to welcome the step taken in this regard, the financing of Units 3 and 4 at Cernavodă depends on two large elements, namely state guarantees to cover the loan part of the project and contracts for difference for the implementation of this mechanism,” said Cosmin Ghiţă.