Nuclearelectrica (SNN), in partnership with Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power (KHNP), today poured the first concrete in the construction of the first Detritiation Facility in Europe at the Cernavodă NPP, in the presence of H.E. Mr. RIM Kap-soo, Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to Romania and other distinguished guests. Nuclearelectrica and Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power (KHNP) signed the Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) contract for the completion of the first detritiation facility (CTRF) in Europe, at the Cernavodă NPP in June 2023, starting today, following the preliminary works, the actual construction of the Detritiation Facility (CTRF).
The Detrition Facility (CTRF) at CNE Cernavodă is based on an innovative Romanian technology, developed by the National Institute for Research and Development for Cryogenic and Isotopic Technologies – ICSI Rm. Vălcea and will be the third detrition facility in the world and the first in Europe, offering Romania the opportunity to become a European center for the production and export of tritium – the candidate fuel of future fusion reactors.
“Today we are making history at Cernavoda. Romania becomes the first country in Europe to build a detritium facility, using a technology developed here, at home, by researchers at ICSI Râmnicu Vâlcea – an elite institute, internationally recognized for clean, efficient and sustainable solutions, a true center of excellence, which I know very well from my mandate as Minister of Research.
It is an achievement that demonstrates that Europe’s energy future can be built in Romania, through the minds and work of Romanians. The Cernavoda project is proof of our strategic vision: we combine cutting-edge Romanian research with solid international partnerships – such as the one with Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power – to deliver solutions in the field of clean energy and environmental protection.
Moreover, this project positions Romania as a European center for the production and export of tritium – the candidate fuel for nuclear fusion reactors, such as ITER. Tritium production adds to the integrated Romanian nuclear cycle, which we want to we recover: from uranium mines to heavy water production, nuclear fuel and CANDU nuclear power production in the four reactors at Cernavoda,” said Energy Minister Sebastian Burduja.
“Today marks an important moment in Romania’s journey towards sustainable energy – the pouring of the first concrete for the Cernavoda Detrition Facility. This project represents not only a technological breakthrough, but also our commitment to a cleaner and safer environment. It is an innovative project, coordinated by teams of experts, a project that puts Romania, once again, on the global map of nuclear industry development. The collaboration between Nuclearelectrica and KHNP exemplifies the power of international partnerships in achieving common goals. Together, we are setting a precedent for innovation and responsibility in the nuclear industry,” emphasized Cosmin Ghiță, CEO of Nuclearelectrica.
The Detritium Removal Facility (CTRF) removes tritium from the facility, which will lead to increased environmental protection, fully in line with Nuclearelectrica’s and Europe’s ESG objectives. Romania also has the opportunity to develop its supply chain and become a center for the development and export of Romanian detritium technology and know-how, using local factories and workforce.
“The concrete pouring ceremony for the Cernavoda detritium facility, which takes place today, marks an important moment, symbolizing the official start of construction works. Just as any structure is based on a solid and impeccable foundation, we sincerely hope that the concrete poured today, without cracks, will serve as a solid foundation on which the detritium facility will be successfully built. “KHNP remains fully committed to working closely with SNN, as it has always done, to ensure the successful completion of this project,” said Dr. Whang Joo-ho, President and CEO of KHNP.
The CTRF project, carried out by ICSI Rm. Vălcea, uses the most advanced technology, CTRF including the updated nuclear safety requirements for an industrial tritium facility, as established by CNCAN, the National Commission for the Control of Nuclear Activities in Romania.
The detritium removal facility at Cernavoda will include several high-tech areas: liquid phase isotopic separation, cryogenic distillation and high vacuum operation. The project completion time is estimated at 50 months, and the tritium produced will be stored in safe and secure specialized containers, ready for later use.