Press release
Bucharest, October 7th 2021
SN Nuclearelectrica SA (SNN) received today, at Cernavoda NPP, the official visit of the President of Romania, Mr. Klaus Iohannis, on the occasion of celebrating 25 years of operation of Cernavoda NPP Unit 1.
After 25 years since the commissioning of the first nuclear reactor, Nuclearelectrica provides approximately 20% of the consumption demand and 33% of the clean energy nationwide. In 25 years, Nuclearelectrica has delivered over 200 million MWh to the National Power Grid at a capacity factor of over 90%, avoiding the release into the atmosphere of over 170 million tons of CO2.
Cernavoda NPP Unit 1 has delivered 127 million MWh since its commissioning so far, which represents 9% of the national consumption in 25 years. At the same time, since its commissioning until now, U1 has avoided releasing 125 million tons of CO2 into the atmosphere, which is the equivalent of the emissions produced by all cars in Romania for over 6 years.
“Nuclear energy currently provides 11,000 jobs in Romania, has a cumulative annual turnover of approximately 600 million Euros and a contribution to GDP of 5.7 billion Euros. It is a clean, resilient and accessible source of energy. For the 25 years of operation with professionalism, I thank my colleagues for every day of work, dedication, involvement! Equally, I am proud that together we generate clean energy to excellent standards and build a sustainable future for the next generation. ”– Cosmin Ghita, General Manager of SNN
“I especially wanted to return here today, to mark with you the 25 years of operation of Unit 1 of Cernavoda Nuclear Power Plant. This unit has provided, so far, 9% of the national electricity consumption and we want to continue to contribute to the energy security of our country.
On this occasion, I send my congratulations to the specialists who have contributed, over the 25 years, to the operation in conditions of reliability and maximum safety of one of the most performing power plants of this type in the world.
Your efforts and professionalism are recognized and certified internationally, our country being an example of performance and excellence for professionals working in civilian nuclear energy. ” – Klaus Iohannis, President of Romania.
In the context of decarbonisation and energy transition measures, the new nuclear capacities, both the large sized, CANDU, and small modular reactors, will act as an engine for economic recovery, job creation, retention of expertise in the country and advantageous use of the expertise acquired in the 25 years of operation and will outline Romania’s position at regional level.
“The future of the nuclear industry is built starting from the expertise acquired in the 25 years of operation, therefore Nuclearelectrica will use this expertise gained from the operation of CANDU reactors for future nuclear conventional or state-of-the-art capacities. In the scenarios analyzed by the International Energy Agency, the energy demand will increase by 2.1% per year by 2040, especially in the developed countries. The share of energy without carbon emissions is estimated to increase from 36% today to 52% by 2040. “ – Cosmin Ghita, General Manager of SNN
Decarbonization cannot be achieved without nuclear energy, and SN Nuclearelectrica SA’s investment projects are designed and realized for a resilient energy system, based on clean energy sources.
Cosmin Ghita
CEO
