Romania’s nuclear power utility Nuclearelectrica is reassessing the future of the Doicești small modular reactor project following an internal review tied to its February 2026 investment decision. The review concluded that more than 80% of the conditions examined remained unresolved. The reassessment follows findings that question the project’s technology choice, commercial structure and financial viability. The utility said the outcome could affect Romania’s plans to deploy small nuclear reactors.
NuScale-based concept and potential alternative US SMR technologies
The current development concept relies on technology supplied by US company NuScale. Nuclearelectrica is now considering whether alternative American SMR technologies could support a more workable investment structure. Any alternative would need to align with Romania’s nuclear cooperation agreement with the United States, signed in 2021. The internal review highlighted unresolved commercial and contractual issues as major obstacles.
Nuclearelectrica and NuScale have not finalized their framework agreement. An alternative contractual arrangement discussed by the parties does not provide the protections sought by the Romanian utility. The supplier has also not provided a binding commitment to deliver reactor modules. Negotiations on cost-sharing arrangements and performance guarantees have been suspended, leaving technical and financial risks unresolved.
Contractual risk allocation for first-of-a-kind nuclear projects
The review said these issues are particularly significant for first-of-a-kind nuclear projects. It noted that construction costs, delivery schedules and operating performance depend heavily on how contractual risks are allocated. For nuclear technology suppliers and project financiers, the findings point to the importance of moving beyond preliminary cooperation agreements. The review emphasized the need for binding equipment supply, performance guarantees and clearly allocated financial responsibilities.
The Doicești development also faces additional site-related complications. Work required to secure site authorization has been delayed by the discovery of natural gas near a former Soceram well. Nuclearelectrica is considering formally notifying NuScale and allowing no more than 30 days to address priority outstanding conditions. The utility is also proposing a substantial reduction in project expenditure.
Proposed spending cuts and shareholder agenda expansion
Nuclearelectrica said project company RoPower could be required to reduce staffing by at least 60% over six months. Other spending would be kept to a minimum under the proposed approach. Romanian Energy Ministry State Secretary Cristian Bușoi said Nuclearelectrica requested an expansion of its shareholders’ meeting agenda. The change would allow investors to review the findings and determine the project’s next steps.
The reassessment was described as not amounting to a confirmed cancellation, but it indicates a significant shift in how Nuclearelectrica is approaching the investment. The utility also linked its readiness concerns to requirements beyond technology selection alone. It said a bankable nuclear investment depends on credible capital expenditure assumptions, an approved site, reliable equipment delivery commitments and a contractual structure able to manage construction and performance risks. Until those elements are resolved, Romania’s proposed SMR development remains exposed to uncertainty over configuration, financing and implementation timing.
