Kick-off of civil engineering works for Cernavoda NPP Unit 1 Refurbishment Project

Civil engineering works on the infrastructure required for the implementation of the Cernavoda NPP Unit 1 Refurbishment Project kicked off on Wednesday, following the release by the National Commission for the Control of Nuclear Activities (CNCAN) of the construction permit for the Intermediate Radioactive Waste Repository intended for the handling, processing and intermediate storage of low and medium-level radioactive waste resulted from the retrofitting of Unit 1 and the long-term commercial exploitation of the Cernavoda NP Units 1 and 2, Nuclearelectrica said in a release.

"The Intermediate Radioactive Waste Repository will be built on the site of the Cernavoda NPP, inside the controlled area, within the Reactor Building of Unit 5, which will be adjusted to the needs of the development of the said facility, which consists of 3 buildings designed for receiving, handling, processing and intermediately storing low and medium-level radioactive waste resulting from the retrofitting of Unit 1, and the long-term operation of Units 1 and 2, including the storage, maintenance and decontamination of the set of retubing tools used for the retrofitting of Unit 1," Nuclearelectrica specifies.

The groundbreaking ceremony was attended by President of Romania Nicusor Dan, Minister of Environment, Waters and Forestry Diana Buzoianu, Foreign Affairs Minister Oana Toiu, Energy Minister Bogdan Ivan, CNCAN chairman Cantemir Ciurea, and Nuclearelectrica CEO Cosmin Ghita.

Also present were the ambassadors of Canada, South Korea and Italy in Romania, the presidents and CEOs of the retrofitting project partner companies - AtkinsRealis, CANDU International, Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power, Ansaldo Nucleare, Laurentis Energy Partners and Canadian Commercial Corporation.

"Obtaining the building permit for the Intermediate Radioactive Waste Repository needed for the development of the critical infrastructure of the Unit 1 Refurbishment Project, according to the schedule for the project's implementation, represents an essential step in the development of the project, marking the entry into the phase of civil engineering works. We are developing a project of strategic importance for the Romanian Energy System, with long-term impact, with maximum responsibility in complying with nuclear safety, international standards and best practices. Equally, the expansion of the intermediate storage capacity of low and medium-level radioactive waste, in line with CNCAN legislation and regulations, represents an indispensable element for sustaining long-term exploitation under completely safe conditions. By refurbishing Unit 1, we will ensure another 30 years of clean, stable and accessible energy, strengthening Romania's energy security and making a decisive contribution to achieving the decarbonization goals," said Nuclearelectrica CEO Cosmin Ghita.

The civil engineering works are an integral part of the Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) contract concluded between Nuclearelectrica and the international consortium formed by: Candu Energy Inc. of the AtkinsRealis Group, Ansaldo Nucleare, Canadian Commercial Corporation and Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power Co on December 19, 2024.

According to Nuclearelectrica, from 1996 to date, the operation of Unit 1 has prevented the release of 140 million tons of CO2 into the atmosphere, and has safely delivered over 145 million MWh at a capacity factor of over 90%.

Today, Romania continues to rank first internationally, with an average capacity factor of over 92% since the commissioning of Units 1 and 2, reconfirming the country's performance in the nuclear industry at the level of excellence.