Nuclearelectrica, the operator of Romania’s Cernavodă Nuclear Power Plant, has reached a pivotal construction milestone in the modernization of Unit 1. This achievement marks a significant advancement in the facility’s long-term refurbishment program, which is essential for sustaining Romania’s energy security.
The completion of the first continuous concrete pour for permanent structures associated with the refurbishment project is notable. This operation is the largest of its kind at the site since the construction of Unit 2 and involved approximately 3,470 cubic meters of concrete, equivalent to around 380 truck deliveries. Such scale underscores the ambitious nature of this refurbishment effort.
Crucially, these works were conducted at the Intermediate Radioactive Waste Storage Facility (DIDR-U5), which will be integral to managing and temporarily storing radioactive waste produced during the refurbishment. The facility’s development is aligned with regulatory requirements and will support both Unit 1 and Unit 2’s future operations.
Cosmin Ghiță, CEO of Nuclearelectrica, emphasized that this milestone signifies the commencement of a large-scale modernization phase for Unit 1. The refurbishment aims to extend its operational life by an additional 30 years, with plans for it to return to service in 2030.
The project received crucial construction authorization from Romania’s nuclear regulator in September 2025, allowing civil engineering works to progress as scheduled. The modernization initiative is structured into three main phases, with current efforts focused on preparation and infrastructure work expected to continue until late 2027. The final phase will involve a complete shutdown of Unit 1 for extensive refurbishment activities.
Upon completion, Unit 1 is projected to reconnect to Romania’s national electricity grid in 2030, enabling it to operate for another three decades. Since its commissioning in 1996, Unit 1 has been a fundamental component of Romania’s electricity generation landscape, producing over 149 million MWh and preventing approximately 145 million tons of CO₂ emissions throughout its operational history.
Nuclearelectrica has highlighted that Unit 1 consistently achieves a capacity factor above 90%, positioning it among the most efficient nuclear facilities globally. As Romania continues to navigate its energy transition and regulatory landscape, the successful refurbishment of Cernavodă’s Unit 1 will play a critical role in ensuring reliable electricity supply for decades to come.
