Canada’s AtkinsRéalis Group announced it has an agreement to build two new CANDU nuclear reactors in Romania, which would be the first new reactors of that type built since 2007.
The Montreal-based company on Nov. 15 said the Romanian project is a joint venture with Fluor Corp., Ansaldo Nucleare, and Sargent & Lundy. The contract was awarded by EnergoNuclear S.A. for the Cernavoda Nuclear Generating Station, which is already home to two 720-MW CANDU reactors.
The Canadian government in September of this year announced $3 billion in federal export financing to help support the project. Cernavoda is Romania’s only nuclear power plant, and supplies about 20% of the country’s electricity.
CANDU (Canada deuterium uranium) reactors were developed in the late 1950s. The first reactor began operating in Pickering, Ontario, in 1971. The World Nuclear Association says there are 27 CANDU reactors operating today in seven countries, along with 17 “CANDU derivative” reactors in India.
Officials said the new units at Cernavoda will allow Romania to nearly double its power generation capacity.
The AtkinsRéalis Group will provide design, engineering, and procurement services, as well as support to EnergoNuclear, the Romanian company responsible for construction, commissioning, and operation of the power plant. Financing of the new reactors will be supported by $3 billion from the Canadian government, with additional capital from other governments, according to a news release.
‘Game-Changing Contract’
“This is a game-changing contract for AtkinsRéalis and Romania. As the sole commercial licensee of world-renowned CANDU technology, we are uniquely positioned to contribute to the vast expansion of the world’s clean power,” said Ian L. Edwards, president and CEO of AtkinsRéalis. “CANDU technology is at the forefront of relevant, up to date and differentiated nuclear technologies in the world. We are honored to help power Romania well into the end of the 21st century with these brand new CANDU reactors. I would like to thank the Government of Canada who helped make this contract possible through export financing support of $3 billion. This also represents our first step in our expansion around the world as we aim to sell many more reactors.”
“Canada is proud to stand at the forefront of the global clean energy transition, with CANDU nuclear technology as a pillar of innovation and reliability,” said Mary Ng, Minister of Export, Trade & Economic Development for Canada. “This collaboration in Romania highlights Canada’s leadership in nuclear energy, providing clean, resilient solutions that enhance energy security, reduce emissions, and support economic growth. Through this partnership, we’re not only creating good, high-paying jobs and advancing sustainable growth, but we’re also reinforcing Canada’s commitment to a low-carbon future and strengthening resilient supply chains for a better world.”
AtkinsRéalis will help EnergoNuclear meet European Union directives around the project while working with the National Commission for Nuclear Activities Control, which is Romania’s nuclear power regulator. The company said the two new units are the first CANDU new-builds in the world since Cernavoda’s Unit 2 nuclear reactor came online in 2007.
EnergoNuclear will operate Units 3 and 4 at Cernavoda. The initial phase of the project represents an investment of $224 million. After completion of the initial phase, EnergoNuclear has the option to issue a full notice to proceed with the services necessary to complete the new units, subject to the agreement of commercial terms, according to the companies.
Cosmin Ghita, CEO of Nuclearelectrica, a partly state-owned Romanian nuclear energy company, in a statement touted “28 years of excellent operation of Cernavoda NPP Units 1 and 2, outstanding safety record, 230 million MWh into the grid and 215 million tons of CO2 avoided are the merits of CANDU technology and human expertise. We are keen on extending the historic cooperation with AtkinsRéalis, for the deployment of Units 3 and 4 and provide Romania with long-term safe, reliable and clean energy.
Ghita continued: “Nuclear energy is a major part of the global effort for deep decarbonization and by extending CANDU nuclear capacities in Romania, we aim to prove that energy security, energy availability and energy resilience together with 66% of Romania’s clean energy can efficiently be provided by a single energy source, nuclear, based on years of experience, strategic partnerships and robust technology.”
Stephen Lecce, Ontario’s minister of Energy and Electrification, said, “Ontario is proud to lead in nuclear energy, providing clean, reliable, and affordable power while positioning our province as a global leader in this critical sector. By exporting our nuclear expertise worldwide, we’re showcasing Ontario’s innovation and commitment to an affordable energy future. While we refurbish and expand nuclear fleets around the world, we are bringing jobs and investment back home for Ontario families and workers.”
Officials said the two-unit expansion at Cernavoda will support Romania’s strategy to become a regional hub for energy security and clean electricity in Eastern Europe with the support of Canadian technology.
“Canadian CANDU technology has served Romania well and is the right choice for the next 60 years,” said Joe St. Julian, president, Nuclear, for AtkinsRéalis. “The last seven CANDU reactors built around the world, and the ongoing life extension of 10 CANDU reactors in Ontario, have been conducted on time and on budget. We will employ our unmatched nuclear power know-how as the steward of this technology, to ensure a similarly successful outcome for the build of these two new units in Romania.”
—Darrell Proctor is a senior editor for POWER (@POWERmagazine).
