The energy independence and the sustainability goals that Romania have set out to achieve using the small modular technology are set to be achieved through their collaboration with NuScale Power. This is a notable partnership for Romania because it will be able to meet the energy needs of the population and help abate the effect of climate change in a cost effective manner.
What is NuScale Power?
A company with its roots in the United States, NuScale Power is the first one to design and develop small modular reactors which are more efficient, safe and cost competitive when compared to nuclear power. These reactors have the ability to be expandable hence electricity will be able to be produced to any required level through power generation modules.
Why Romania?
Romania has been and continues to be a stronghold of development nuclear power energy in the region and its Cernavodă Nuclear Power Plant is a testament to this. But with the ever increasing demand for energy and the global shift towards clean energy alternatives, the country is exploring diversifying and enhancing its nuclear energy facets. In this regard partnering with NuScale energy is a strategic consideration that will.
- Encourage the development of high-skilled jobs and foster innovations in technology.
The NuScale-Romania Partnership
The idea to set up a cooperation between NuScale Power and Romania’s state-owned energy company, Nuclearelectrica was realized during the First Collaborative Workshop held in 2021, together with Romanian experts; this resulted in the review of the Doicesti site for the placement of the first ever NuScale SMR to be in Romania.
The project consists of the following components:
- Installation of a 462 MW NuScale with 6 modules that is estimated to have the capacity to provide clean energy to above 4 million households.
- There are advanced safety features where passive cooling systems are utilized during unforeseen emergencies such as powering down the plant in order to eliminate the excessive need of water.
- There are economic implications; for instance, job opportunities during the construction and operation phases arise, along with the creation of opportunities for local suppliers willing to get involved in the project.
Global and Regional Significance
It would be unfair to state that the partnership between Romania and NuScale only brings success to the opportunity to set up the partnership, because it is a region turning point as well. Romania becomes the first nation within Europe that goes ahead and implements the SMR technology, thus, providing an option for other countries ready to switch to use clean energy sources. Also, American administration and international organizations support the project as it contributes to the development of the transatlantic energy relationship making the project of strategic importance.
Challenges and Opportunities
The project is likely to pose some threats despite being highly rewarding as analyzed below:
• The regulatory bodies need to cut through the bureaucratic red tape so that the timelines for the release of funds can be adhered to.
• The general public must be educated on the safety measures associated with nuclear energy to help improve the perception surrounding its use.
• Even though the costs are lower than the costs associated with traditional nuclear plants, they are still high enough to require monetary investment.
In contrast, the increased economic opportunities, self-reliance on energy and generation of employment and revenue serves as motivation to proceed with the investment towards the NuScale project in Romania.
Conclusion
More than just a project focused on power generation, the NuScale energy project in Romania aims to help the country transition into a country of opportunities with reduced carbon footprints and improved energy security. Romania has signed the agreement towards becoming the early user of SMR technology in Europe, demonstrating how modernized nuclear technologies can align with the country’s growth and sustainability objectives.
It is not only an achievement hinging on Romania alone, but demonstrates the positive effect SMR technology would bring in the sphere of international energy. The curtains have raised on a new era of nuclear power and all eyes are now set on Doicești as Romania makes its foray towards it.
https://www.nuscalepower.com/en
https://www.power-technology.com/data-insights/power-plant-profile-romania-nuscale-smr-2-romania
https://www.world-nuclear-news.org/articles/us-exim-bank-approves-loan-for-romanian-smr-project
https://www.ihi.co.jp/en/all_news/2021/resources_energy_environment/1197417_3360.html
https://www.chuden.co.jp/english/corporate/releases/pressreleases/1211805_5163.html
https://www.world-nuclear-news.org/Articles/Second-Korean-investment-in-a-week-for-NuScale-SMR
