Nuclearelectrica and the international consortium Candu Energ – an AtkinsRéalis company – as well as Ansaldo Nucleare, Canadian Commercial Corporation and Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power Co signed the Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) contract for the retrofit of Unit 1 of the Cernavodă NPP, on December 19, 2024. The estimated value of the contract is EUR 1.9 billion, and its entry into force is conditional on the approval of the General Meeting of Shareholders of Nuclearelectrica and the approval of the Canadian Government.
During a special signing ceremony, in the presence of the Head of the Prime Minister’s Chancellery, Alexandru-Mihai Ghigiu, the Minister of Energy of Romania, Sebastian Burduja, H.E. Rim Kap-soo, the Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to Romania, H.E. Gavin Buchan, Ambassador of Canada to Romania and H.E. Valeria Baistrocchi, Chargé d’Affaires of the Embassy of the Italian Republic in Romania, SN Nuclearelectrica, AtkinsRéalis, Ansaldo Nucleare, Canadian Commercial Corporation and Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power Co marked the most important stage of the Unit 1 retrofit project.
The main scope of the EPC contract consists of: the development of the detailed design and execution details, the purchase of equipment and materials, the execution of re-tubing and retrofit works, as well as the construction of the necessary infrastructure for the Unit 1 retrofit project of CNE Cernavoda.
“Romania has assumed the role of regional leader in the field of nuclear energy. We want to be pioneers in the development of small reactors, we have already signed the contract for the feasibility study, we managed to sign the contract for the construction of reactors 3 and 4 at Cernavodă, and today we also signed the final contract for the retrofitting of Unit 1 at the Cernavodă nuclear power plant, which we will be able to operate for another 30 years.
In the last year and a half, we have managed to attract non-reimbursable financing of almost 14 billion euros and to respect the assumed motto: investments, investments, investments. I congratulate the management of Nuclearelectrica for the work done and because we managed together to unlock vital projects for Romania”, declared Sebastian Burduja, the Minister of Energy in Romania.
“The objective of the retrofitting of Unit 1 of the Cernavodă NPP is to ensure the operation of the unit for another life cycle in conditions of safety and economic efficiency. To achieve this objective, all preparation and implementation activities of the U1 Refurbishment Project are being carried out in accordance with the standards of excellence and international experience gained from the refurbishment of other CANDU nuclear units globally. This is a key project that will extend the operational life of Unit 1 by 30 years to support Romania’s decarbonization goals by avoiding an additional 5 million tons of CO2 emissions annually. We are eager to work with internationally renowned partners who have historically contributed to the current operational performance of Cernavoda Units 1 and 2,” said Cosmin Ghiță, Chief Executive Officer, Nuclearelectrica.
“The last seven CANDU reactors built worldwide, as well as the ongoing life extension of 10 CANDU reactors in Ontario, have been completed on time and on budget. As the only organization to have taken a lead role in every CANDU reactor life extension project to date globally, our unmatched track record of on-time, cost, safety and quality performance, coupled with the expertise of our top-tier, proven consortium partners, will deliver this project for Romania beyond expectations,” said Joe St. Julian, President, Nuclear, AtkinsRéalis.
“CCC appreciates the confidence Romania has shown to date in Canadian nuclear technology and is pleased to facilitate this important project, which will further ensure Romanians’ access to emission-free energy and help realize Romania’s potential as a regional hub for clean electricity in Eastern Europe,” said Bobby Kwon, President and CEO of CCC.
“Today’s EPC contract for the extension of the life of Unit 1 represents a major achievement for our company,” said Daniela Gentile, CEO of Ansaldo Nucleare. “It reaffirms the long-standing trust that Nuclearelectrica has consistently placed in us and our partners, supporting our expertise. This achievement not only strengthens our partnership with Nuclearelectrica, but also, following the signing of the EPCM contract for Units 3 and 4 at Cernavoda during COP29 in Baku, further strengthens Ansaldo Nucleare’s presence in Romania.”
Ph.D. Whang Joo-ho, President and CEO of Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power Co said: “This achievement reaffirms the global recognition of KHNP’s expertise in operation and maintenance. With over 50 years of experience in nuclear power plant operation and project management, including the retrofit of Wolsong Unit 1, KHNP is committed to completing this project successfully, on time and within budget.”
Nuclearelectrica aims to achieve carbon neutrality, expand clean energy production, lead in innovation and technological progress, manage resources sustainably, and develop the community and workforce.
