Doicești Small Modular Reactors (SMR) project could produce its first kilowatts in 2032-33, and is currently “on schedule”, Teofil Mureșan, founder and president of the board of E-INFRA, told Energynomics. Discussions with the American side are ongoing, and essential negotiations will be held over the next six months – in this case, the launch of a single reactor was agreed upon only as a working scenario, alongside other scenarios that may include the launch of all six modules.
Nuclearelectrica shareholders approved, on Thursday, February 12, the final investment decision in the Doicești Small Modular Reactors (SMR) Project.
“A decision has been made that includes several steps to be executed. There are several steps, but one clarifies things a lot: one of the steps is that the final result, that is, the MWh produced from this investment, in this power plant, should be in a range (interval- n.r.) similar to other European projects. How can this be done? Through discussions with the American side for discounts, for non-reimbursable funds, or other solutions,” Teofil Mureșan told us.
He says that realistically, the reactors could come into operation in 2032-33.
“To date, the project has not had any major delays, with the site being brought to the ‘ready for construction’ stage, including environmental permits, being completely greened. Power is provided during the construction phase through a new station, with six 110 kV lines and a high-power transformer. It depends a lot on the next six months, in which the steps that need to be completed before the order or pre-contract orders are given and everything else… But, at this point, it is on schedule, during the period agreed upon.
“In a realistic scenario, in my opinion this time, it will be able to enter production in 2032-33. With all six modules, even if it was understood – that there are discussions – (either) that all six come and only one is paid for, that one will be on trial for a period of time and the other five will follow – these discussions are ongoing. It was not established to be a single one, that exists only as a discussion option,” added Teofil Mureșan.
Romanian President Nicușor Dan said on the national radio station on Tuesday that there will soon be discussions, within the framework of a new trip of a Romanian delegation to the US, at the invitation of US President Donald Trump, about the Feldioara plant, which will conclude a partnership with an American company, and about Romania’s nuclear program. Dan also stated that energy is becoming an essential subject in Romania’s foreign policy.
