Press release

Bucharest, 14 March 2018

SN Nuclearelectrica SA („SNN”) announces that on March 14th, 2018 signed a Memorandum of Understanding („MOU”) with the Partnership for Research and Innovation for Advanced Nuclear Systems („CESINA”), represented by the Autonomous Authority of Technology for Nuclear Energy  – Institute for Nuclear Research („RATEN ICN”).

The purpose of this MOU consists in involving both parties in the acceleration of the development and use of advanced low carbon emission technologies, the improvement of new technologies and the reduction of costs by coordinating the national research efforts, as well as SNN’s interest and involvement in the development of future nuclear technologies, as means of ensuring the sustainable use of nuclear power in Romania, complementary to the current nuclear program.

„Considering the fact that Romania is one of the developers of advanced nuclear technologies, IV generation reactors, such as the ALRED project, I believe that it is beneficial for the entire nuclear industry to develop cooperation, make full and efficient use of the years of experience and advanced know-how in order to benefit on the long term, both by technological efficiency as well as by strenghtening the national industry and to act united in the national interest. Research and development are priority interests for any state, and thus SNN’s contribution in this project is a beneficial one, as it is the only entity with experience in the commissioning and operation of nuclear reactors. The development of advanced technologies represents a competitive advantage for Romania, and this project may be objectified through cooperation at the level of the entire nuclear industry” – Cosmin Ghita, SNN CEO.

This partnership consists in identifying opportunities for cooperation of specific programs, adapted to the expertise and necessities of both parties, in the development of the ALFRED project, the participation of SNN experts to implementing strategic plans and actions, ensuring know-how, information and experience exchange, cooperation related to development, design, testing, licensing and construction of the ALFRED project, developed by the international consortium FALCON.

“The signed agreement represents a very important step towards the increase of the national capabilities in the nuclear field necessary for the implementation of the project. The high expertise and existing experience of SNN regarding the authorization, design, commissioning and operation of nuclear installations brings an essential component in the implementation of the ALFRED project. At the same time, the entire project ensures significant opportunities for the nuclear industry which will bring an important contribution to the construction of the experimental installations and of the demonstration reactor, thus creating the premises for the development of the national industry in a highly technological field” – Constantin Paunoiu, RATEN ICN Director

The Memorandum of Understanding is valid for 3 years and can be extended through the agreement of the parties and does not imply financial costs to SNN, considering SNN’s contribution through the expertise of its specialists.

About the ALFRED Project

The ALFRED project, a demonstration reactor for fast lead cooled reactors technology, is the reference project of for the Romanian research, based on the existing technical capabilities and Romania’s experience in the nuclear field.

In 2013, an agreement for the incorporation of the international FALCON consortium (Fostering ALFRED CONstruction) was signed in Bucharest between RATEN ICN, Ansaldo Nuclear and ENEA.

The LFR technology (lead fast reactor-reactorul racit cu plumb) is one of the technologies that the European Union supports for the development of the IV generation reactors.

The main advantages of the development of the LFR technology are:

• The reduction of the quantity of produced radioactive waste
• The more efficient use of the uranium resources
• An increased economic efficiency
• The increase of operational safety.

The IV generation reactors are programed to fully use nuclear safety passive safety systems (which do not require intervention) and to guarantee an efficient use of nuclear fuel.

In fact, such a technology of IV generation, developed in Romania, argues the positioning of nuclear power as a source that fully answers to the environment requirements, market competitiveness and the constant improvement of nuclear safety functions on the long term.

ALFRED will have a total power of 300 MWh and will demonstrate the expected characteristics related to nuclear safety, economic competitiveness and the sustainability of the energy production.

ALFRED represents the main component of an unique research infrastructure which will be built on the ICN platform. This site, fully integrated with complementary European infrastructures, will ensure the experimental installations necessary for the full development of these technologies, from research to materials testing, components and processes, to the demonstration of the feasibility of the LFR technology.

ALFRED infrastructure will grant access to all the institutions interested in the development of IV generation innovative nuclear systems, research centres, universities, industry, regulatory bodies from Romania and from abroad. (Source: the Ministry of Research and Innovation)