Romania is poised to embark on a significant expansion of its nuclear energy capacity, as articulated by Energy Minister Bogdan Ivan at the recent Nuclear Energy Summit in Paris. The country aims to nearly triple its installed nuclear capacity over the next decade, reflecting a strategic shift towards bolstering its energy production capabilities.
The Minister emphasized Romania’s 60 years of experience in nuclear power generation, highlighting the impressive performance of the Cernavoda nuclear power plant units 1 and 2. These units achieved an average capacity factor exceeding 92%, ranking them among the top globally in 2025, according to data from the International Atomic Energy Agency.
As Romania grapples with the dual challenge of increasing electricity demand and the imperative to lower carbon emissions while ensuring system stability, nuclear energy emerges as a pivotal solution. It is recognized as one of the few technologies capable of delivering large volumes of reliable low-emission electricity on a continuous basis.
Currently, nuclear power accounts for approximately 20% of Romania’s total electricity consumption. The planned expansion is expected to enhance the resilience of the national grid and decrease reliance on fossil fuels, aligning with broader energy transition goals.
To facilitate this ambitious growth, Romania is advancing several key projects at the NPP Cernavoda. This includes the refurbishment of unit 1 and the construction of new units 3 and 4, which will utilize CANDU reactor technology. These initiatives are crucial for meeting future energy demands while maintaining environmental commitments.
A significant component of Romania’s nuclear strategy involves the development of small modular reactors (SMRs). The country is progressing with Europe’s first SMR project in Doicesti, which gained momentum following the approval of a final investment decision by shareholders of Nuclearelectrica. This state-owned enterprise, with an ownership stake of 82.5% by the government, is set to advance to the next phase of this innovative project.
The current phase requires an estimated funding of approximately $600 million, while the overall cost for the SMR initiative is projected at around $4.9 billion. This figure may vary by 20–30%, contingent upon specific construction conditions and technical requirements.
