In a significant shift towards a more conservative investment approach, the company overseeing Romania’s inaugural small modular reactor (SMR) project has indicated a careful stance on future expenditures. This development emerges as shareholders prepare for critical decision-making regarding a project that has already incurred considerable financial commitments without finalizing an investment decision.
RoPower Nuclear, a collaborative effort between Nuclearelectrica and private partner Nova Power and Gas, has advised that funding should proceed in a measured manner, emphasizing incremental investments rather than large-scale financial outlays. The initiative is centered on SMR technology supplied by the US-based firm NuScale, which is anticipated to play a pivotal role in the project’s execution.
As Nuclearelectrica gears up for its shareholder meeting scheduled for February 12–13, the company has suggested that the initial phase prioritize the construction of a single reactor. Despite the broader vision encompassing six reactors, additional units will only be pursued if the first demonstrates clear technical and operational success, thereby ensuring that performance benchmarks are met before further commitments are made.
The strategy also incorporates financial safeguards, including provisions mandating NuScale to return funds should the reactors fail to achieve full operational capabilities. This cautious methodology is informed by previous feasibility studies that have reportedly cost around $200 million, underscoring the importance of thorough assessment and risk management in advancing nuclear initiatives in Romania.
