Canadian Firm to Lead Refurbishment of Romanian Nuclear Power Plant

Romania’s nuclear operator, SN Nuclearelectrica S.A. (SNN), has signed a significant agreement with Canadian Nuclear Partners S.A. (CNPSA) to ensure the successful refurbishment of Unit 1 at the Cernavoda Nuclear Power Plant.

The Framework Agreement, valued at approximately €240 million (£208 million), will see CNPSA establish a dedicated Project Management Organization (PMO) to oversee the entire refurbishment process. This includes providing expertise in project management, technical assistance, consulting, and training specific to CANDU reactors – the technology used at Cernavoda.

The project aims to extend the operational lifespan of Unit 1 by 30 years, securing a reliable and clean energy source for Romania beyond 2029. This collaboration leverages Canada’s proven track record in delivering CANDU refurbishment projects on time and within budget.

“The world is watching as Ontario continues to deliver multi-billion-dollar CANDU nuclear refurbishment projects on time and on budget” said Ontario Minister Todd Smith. “We’re ready to support our allies, leveraging all that experience and expertise to support the refurbishment of Cernavoda NPP Unit 1 so it can continue to deliver reliable and clean energy for generations to come, and provide continued energy security.”

“With increasing geopolitical volatility, it is clear that countries around the world are looking for stable democratic energy partners that offer clean, reliable and affordable energy — and Ontario is once again answering that call,” said Ontario Minister of Energy and Electrification Stephen Lecce. “We are proud to partner with Romania to deliver this major refurbishment that is going to support energy security in Europe while creating new economic opportunities for workers in both of our countries.”

“We are looking forward to working with CNPSA to further advance the refurbishment of Cernavoda NPP Unit 1. Highly professional and robust project management, with combined Canadian and Romanian experience, will enable Romania to benefit from clean, safe, and reliable energy for another 30 years beyond 2029” said Cosmin Ghita, CEO of Nuclearelectrica. “Romania and Canada have been working together for more than 50 years in the nuclear industry and they continue to do so by fostering strategic projects to advance energy security, decarbonization and economic development.”

“We are proud to partner with SNN to provide the leading-edge PMO services needed to successfully carry out this large-scale project, which will ensure a long-term reliable and affordable source of clean electricity for the people and industries of Romania” said Jason Van Wart, CEO of CNPSA. “We are pleased to leverage our decades of experience with Canadian-made CANDU technology to help deliver the Unit 1 refurbishment project on time and on budget and demonstrate how Canadian nuclear experts can support clean energy projects in other parts of the world”.

The signing ceremony, held in Bucharest, was attended by representatives from both countries, underlining the importance of this collaboration for Romania’s energy security and Canada’s continued leadership in the CANDU technology sector.