Romania’s nuclear power utility Nuclearelectrica is reassessing the future of the Doicești small modular reactor project following an internal review. The review concluded that more than 80% of the conditions linked to its February 2026 investment decision remained unresolved. The findings relate to technology selection, commercial structuring and financial viability.
NuScale-based concept and possible alternative US SMR technologies
The current development concept is based on technology supplied by US company NuScale. Nuclearelectrica is 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 pointed to unresolved commercial and contractual issues as major obstacles. Nuclearelectrica and NuScale have not finalized their framework agreement. An alternative contractual arrangement under discussion does not provide the protections sought by the Romanian utility.
Unresolved contracting items for modules, costs and performance
The supplier has not provided a binding commitment to deliver the reactor modules. Negotiations on cost-sharing arrangements and performance guarantees have been suspended. As a result, technical and financial risks remain unresolved for the project.
These issues are described as particularly significant for first-of-a-kind nuclear projects. Construction costs, delivery schedules and operating performance are said to depend heavily on how contractual risk is allocated. The review also highlights that moving from preliminary cooperation steps toward binding commitments is central for financing readiness.
Site authorisation delays linked to natural gas discovery
Additional complications have emerged at the Doicești site. Work needed to secure site authorization has been delayed due to 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.
Proposed expenditure reduction and staffing changes at RoPower
The utility is also proposing a substantial reduction in project expenditure. Project company RoPower could be required to cut staffing by at least 60% over six months, while other spending would be kept to a minimum. Romanian Energy Ministry State Secretary Cristian Bușoi said Nuclearelectrica requested an expansion of its shareholders’ meeting agenda.
The agenda expansion would allow investors to review the findings and determine the project’s next steps. The reassessment is not described as a confirmed cancellation, but it indicates a significant change in how Nuclearelectrica is approaching the investment. Until unresolved conditions are addressed, the proposed SMR development remains exposed to uncertainty over configuration, financing and implementation timing.
