Press release
Nuclearelectrica and CCIR have organized the first edition of “Partners for Nuclear Excellence”, an event dedicated to the long-term development of the nuclear sector and value chain in Romania
Bucharest, October 30, 2024
Nuclearelectrica, in partnership with the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Romania (CCIR), organized today, 30 October 2024, the Suppliers’ Day event “Partners for Nuclear Excellence”, an event aimed at developing relations with the Romanian business environment and capitalizing on the capabilities of Romanian suppliers, in relation to the nuclear industry standards, in the perspective of the development of major investment projects of Nuclearelectrica as well as the nuclear safe operation of the Cernavoda NPP.
The event, held at the CCIR headquarters, brought together professionals from the energy sector and companies specialized in different fields of activity, whose contribution could be harnessed in the development of the nuclear sector in Romania, simultaneously with the development of the national value chain, for an advantageous positioning of Romania at regional level and increasing the level of economic and financial recovery.
“The nuclear sector supports 1 million jobs in the EU, with the potential to grow to 1.3 million thanks to new projects. Romania has already taken important steps: we have created the first training centre for SMR and a National School of Nuclear Energy to train future experts. Regional energy security depends on the increased use of nuclear energy, and the development of local capacities and supply chains is mandatory. Nuclear projects are a collective effort and Romania is ready to share the accumulated expertise. In preparing the new SMR technology, it is essential to seize the opportunities for the local industry and provide the necessary support for adaptation and specialization“, said Energy Minister Sebastian Burduja.
“Romania plays a key role in Europe through our nuclear energy projects, which contribute to energy security and the transition to a green economy. “Partners for Nuclear Excellence” has been designed to increase the level of involvement of Romanian suppliers, and therefore the level of local economic development. We aimed to facilitate the understanding of the rigor of a nuclear operator, the specific processes and activities, the high standards and principles of nuclear safety, all in compliance with applicable legislation. Our investment projects, in addition to their essential role in decarbonization and technological advancement, also mean, equally sustainably, the economic development of Romania. Together we can ensure the long-term operational excellence of these projects,” said Cosmin Ghiță, CEO of Nuclearelectrica.
The President of CCIR, Mr. Mihai Daraban, emphasized the importance of collaboration between the private and public sectors for Romania’s sustainable development, stating that “in addition to the energy advantages, the development of the nuclear industry also entails a number of significant economic benefits, such as: creating new jobs, attracting investment and developing industrial infrastructure. In terms of a highly qualified workforce, Romania has a solid base of specialists and research institutions that can contribute to innovation in this field, thus strengthening Romania’s role in the European energy sector. Romania’s Chamber of Commerce and Industry will continue to support initiatives that promote innovation, cooperation and investment in this strategic sector in order to ensure a secure, sustainable and competitive energy future for future generations”
The event included technical sessions dedicated to Nuclearelectrica’s new development perspectives and the operational needs of the Cernavodă plant, as well as interactive sessions designed to familiarize with the specifics of the nuclear industry.
The first edition of “Partners for Nuclear Excellence” was attended by 50 companies from various fields of activity.
About Nuclearelectrica
The National Company “Nuclearelectrica” SA is the national Romanian company which produces electricity, heat and nuclear fuel operating under the authority of the Romanian Ministry of Energy, with the Romanian state holding 82.49% of shares and other shareholders holding 17.50%, after the listing of the company at the stock exchange in 2013.
The NPP (CNE) Cernavoda branch operates two CANDU nuclear units, which are two of the most high-performance units among the more than 400 nuclear plants in the world, a nuclear fuel factory and is in the process of carrying out an integrated fuel cycle through the procurement of a uranium concentrate processing line, in order to support the long-term investment projects of the company.
Nuclearelectrica has a major role at the national level, contributing by more than 18% of the nuclear energy in the total energy production and by 33% in the total CO2-free energy production in Romania.
Nuclearelectrica has 28 years of operating experience. Through its 3 strategic investment projects, (Cernavoda NPP Unit 1 Refurbishment, Cernavoda NPP Units 3 & 4 Development and SMR Deployment), the company is looking to provide clean energy, support Romania’s energy stability and decarbonation targets, support the Paris Agreement and, based on its ESG strategy, to also support human health impact initiatives.
