Romania Approves Final Investment Decision for Doicești SMR Project
Updated Published Cached
Shareholders give final go‑ahead for Doicești SMR – Nuclearelectrica’s owners approved the Final Investment Decision, shifting the project from analysis to implementation phase [1].
Six NuScale modules will deliver 462 MWe – The plant will use NuScale VOYGR‑6 technology, installing six 77 MWe reactors at the former Doicești coal site, about 90 km northwest of Bucharest, to replace 600 MW of thermal power with clean energy [1].
Job creation spans permanent and temporary roles – The project forecasts nearly 200 permanent positions, 1,500 construction jobs and 2,300 manufacturing/component‑assembly jobs over its 60‑year life, plus ongoing operation and maintenance staff [1].
Financing remains to be secured; cost pegged at $6‑7 bn – Prime Minister Ilie Bolojan cited an estimated $6‑7 billion price tag, noting investment will proceed once a funding formula is found; the U.S. Exim Bank has provided a $98 million loan and letters of interest total up to $4 billion [1].
Pre‑EPC phase to run ~15 months before 2033 start‑up – RoPower Nuclear will complete geotechnical studies, licensing, pre‑EPC contract talks and supply‑chain planning, targeting commercial operation of the first module by 2033 [1].
US‑Romania partnership dates back to 2019 – A 2019 MOU with NuScale, a 2021 teaming agreement, 2023 FEED studies and a 2024 Export‑Import Bank loan underpin the technical and financial groundwork for the project [1].
- Bogdan Ivan, Minister of Energy – “The Final Investment Decision … marks the transition from the analysis phase to the implementation phase, consolidating Romania’s position at the forefront of the new European nuclear industry.”
- Ilie Bolojan, Prime Minister – On radio, he estimated the project cost at “USD 6‑USD 7 billion” and said investment will occur once a funding formula is identified.
- Cosmin Ghiță, CEO of Nuclearelectrica – Stated the SMR project places Romania “on the international map of the nuclear industry… as a solution for ensuring energy security and independence.”
- Valentin Ovidiu Nae, CEO of RoPower Nuclear – Described the Doicești project as “60 years of clean energy … an opportunity for Romania to demonstrate … at the forefront of energy production using nuclear technology.”
- Teofil Mureșan, Founder and Chairman of E‑INFRA – Expressed pride in Nova Power & Gas’s involvement and confidence that “together with our American partners we will find solutions to make the project a technical and economic success.”