Regional energy security depends on increased use of nuclear energy, and the development of local capacities and supply chains is mandatory, Energy Minister Sebastian Burduja said on Wednesday.

He participated in the Suppliers’ Day „Partners for Nuclear Excellence”, an event organised by Nuclearelectrica in partnership with the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Romania (CCIR).

„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 RMS and a national school of nuclear energy, meant to train future experts. Regional energy security depends on increased use of nuclear energy, and the development of local capacities and supply chains is mandatory. Nuclear projects represent a collective effort, and Romania is ready to share its amassed expertise. In preparing the new SMR technology, it is essential to capitalise on the opportunities for the local industry and to provide the necessary support for adaptation and specialisation,” Burduja is quoted as telling the event in a press statement released by Nuclearelectrica.

The event, held at the CCIR headquarters, aimed to develop relations with the Romanian business community and to capitalise on the capabilities of Romanian suppliers, in relation to the standards of the nuclear industry, for the development of Nuclearelectrica’s major investment projects but also of the operation under nuclear safety conditions of the Cernavoda nuclear-power plant.

It brought together professionals from the energy sector and companies operating in various areas whose contribution could be capitalised on in the development of the nuclear sector in Romania, at the same time with developing a national value chain for an advantageous positioning of Romania at regional level and an increase in the level of the country’s economic and financial resilience.

„Romania has an essential part in Europe through our nuclear energy projects, which contribute to energy security and the transition to a green economy. Partners for Nuclear Excellence was designed to increase the level of involvement of Romanian suppliers, and implicitly the level of local economic development. We aim to facilitate the understanding of the rigor of a nuclear operator, specific processes and activities, standards and high principles of nuclear safety, all in compliance with the applicable legislation. Our investment projects, in addition to the essential role in decarbonisation and technological advancement, also mean the economic development of Romania in a sustainable way. Together we can ensure the long-term operational excellence of these projects,” said Cosmin Ghita, CEO of Nuclearelectrica.

In his turn, CCIR Chairman Mihai Daraban underlined the importance of collaboration between the private and public sectors for the sustainable development of Romania, specifying that CCIR will continue to support initiatives that promote innovation, cooperation and investment in this strategic sector.

„Apart from the energy advantages, the development of the nuclear industry also entails a number of significant economic benefits, such as creating new jobs, drawing investments and developing the industrial infrastructure. In terms of the highly qualified workforce, Romania has a solid base of specialists and research organisations that can contribute to innovation in this area thus strengthening Romania’s role in the European energy sector. The Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Romania will continue to support initiatives that promote innovation, cooperation and investments in this strategic sector, with the aim of ensuring a secure, sustainable and competitive energy future for future generations,” added Daraban.

The event included technical sessions dedicated to the new development perspectives of Nuclearelectrica and the operational needs of the Cernavoda power plant, as well as interactive sessions introducing the public to the specifics of the nuclear industry.

The first edition of „Partners for Nuclear Excellence” was attended by 50 companies from various fields of activity.

The National Company Nuclearelectrica SA (SNN) is the Romanian national company producing electricity, heat and nuclear fuel that operates under the authority of the Ministry of Energy, with the Romanian government holding 82.49% of the shares, and other shareholders 17.50%, after the company’s listing on the stock exchange in 2013.

The Cernavoda Nuclear Power Plant (NPP) operates two CANDU nuclear units, which are two of the most efficient units of the more than 400 nuclear power plants in the world, a nuclear fuel plant and is in the process of achieving an integrated fuel cycle through the acquisition of a uranium concentrate conversion line to support the company’s long-term investment projects.

Nuclearelectrica has a major nationwide, contributing over 18% of nuclear energy in total energy production and 33% in total energy production without CO2 emissions in Romania.

Nuclearelectrica has 28 years of experience in operation. Through its 3 strategic investment projects (Refurbishment of Cernavoda NPP Unit 1, Development of Cernavoda NPP Units 3 and 4 and SMR Implementation), the company aims to provide clean energy, support Romania’s energy stability and decarbonisation goals, support the Paris Agreement and, based on its ESG strategy, also support initiatives with an impact on human health.

AGERPRES