As Romania moves forward with its energy strategy, the Doicesti small modular reactor (SMR) project is approaching a pivotal point. Shareholders of Nuclearelectrica are set to convene on 12–13 February to cast their votes on the final investment decision for this significant development. The extraordinary general meeting has been called at the behest of the Romanian government, which holds a controlling interest in the company.
The Doicesti initiative has recently regained momentum after a period of political uncertainty. In December, Energy Minister Bogdan Ivan reaffirmed governmental support for the SMR project, highlighting that negotiations with partners have established a financial framework to support the ongoing development phase. Current projections suggest that the first reactor unit could be operational by 2027 or 2028.
The upcoming vote is being characterized by Nuclearelectrica as a crucial step for advancing one of Romania’s key energy investments. The Romanian state maintains an ownership stake of 82.5% in Nuclearelectrica, which possesses a 50% stake in RoPower Nuclear, the joint venture tasked with developing the Doicesti site. The other half of RoPower Nuclear is owned by Nova Power & Gas, part of the E-INFRA infrastructure group.
The planned facility is designed to incorporate six NuScale small modular reactors, collectively expected to deliver a capacity of 462 MW. However, cost estimates remain fluid; the Ministry of Energy has indicated a reference budget near €4.9 billion, while cautioning that final costs may fluctuate due to ongoing design developments and market conditions. Financial challenges have been prevalent for NuScale projects worldwide; notably, in late 2023, a similar 462 MW SMR initiative in the United States was cancelled after projected expenses soared by over 75%, highlighting inherent risks tied to nuclear energy advancements.
<pThe developments surrounding Doicesti reflect broader trends in energy policy and investment within Romania and Southeast Europe, as nations seek innovative solutions to meet future energy demands while navigating economic uncertainties.
