Romanian Minister of Energy Bogdan Ivan has announced that environmental approval has been granted for both the modernization of Unit 1 and the expansion of spent-fuel storage at the Cernavoda nuclear power plant complex. These projects will allow Unit 1 to continue generating 700 MW of clean electricity for an additional 30 years.
Minister Ivan highlighted that maintaining Unit 1 in operation will prevent approximately 5 million tons of CO2 emissions annually, making a significant contribution to Romania’s climate targets and improvements in air quality.
Currently accounting for about 10% of the country’s electricity production, a modernized Unit 1 will provide a stable foundation for the electricity grid, ensuring reliable supply to both industry and households while helping to manage energy costs for consumers.
Cernavoda hosts two CANDU reactors, which are recognized among the world’s top-performing units, and operates an on-site fuel fabrication facility. There are also plans to add a uranium concentrate processing line, which will pave the way for a complete domestic fuel cycle and strengthen long-term investment in the sector.