Nuclearelectrica opens the NuScale Power Energy Exploration Center (E2 Center) in Bucharest

Nuclearelectrica (SNN) and the Polytechnic University of Bucharest announce the launch of the first NuScale Power Energy Exploration Center (E2 Center), hosting the control room simulator for NuScale’s VOYGR small modular reactor (SMR) power plant. The launch of the E2 Center within the Faculty of Energy Engineering of the Polytechnic University of Bucharest is a European premiere.

With 26 years experience in the safe operation of nuclear power plants, at one of the highest capacity factors in the world, having an experienced industry regulator – CNCAN (National Commission for Nuclear Activities Control), one of the most appreciated engineering school system in Europe and a chain of industry suppliers ready to contribute to the development of Romanian nuclear programmes, Romania has the capabilities and assets to become a leader in the safe implementation of SMRs in Romania and in Europe, and a center for small modular reactors (SMR) education and training in the region.

Moreover, the E2 Center contributes to Romania’s objectives for energy security and decarbonization, through clean energy, whilst driving regional collaboration, and sharing its expertise in the nuclear sector as a way forward to mutually achieve climate change goals with nuclear energy and especially small modular reactors power plants.

“It’s a great time to be a student! And even a greater time to be an engineering student in Romania today. We are offering a large spectrum of opportunities to students to develop an exciting carrier in nuclear energy sector; we are growing a new generation of nuclear specialists; we offer students access to the latest technology and capabilities, such as the E2 Center launched today, scolarships and trainings. Today’s generation is the generation that will operate both CANDU and SMRs – what an exciting time for learning and for continuous improvement. Nuclearelectrica has outstanding specialists and operational performance, internationally recognized, which continue to position nuclear energy industry as a top national performer. The experience of Nuclearelectrica team is essential in the development of the Romanian nuclear program and I thank all my colleagues for their dedication and their contribution at maintaining Romania in the top of the industry worldwide. Launching today the E2 Center is only the beginning of a new advanced era in technology and human resources.” – Cosmin Ghita, Chief Executive Officer Nuclearelectrica.

“I am very glad to be here in this moment when we launch the Energy Exploration Center (E2 Centre) here in Romania. First in Europe. It’s a big step!  Nuclear energy and SMRs are included in Romania’s energy strategy as a main pillar for energy security and reaching our decarbonation targets. Our commitment to increase energy production from clean nuclear energy sources will create much needed complementarity with renewable resources, increase flexibility in the system and allow further complex development of former coal-based facilities. We chose a technology with 60 years global operating history, more than 300 light-water reactors worldwide currently in production, which are the basis of the up-to-date highly advanced NuScale SMR technology. The 26 years of Romanian safe operation expertise are the basis for further developing Romania’s nuclear energy program. The energy transition is not possible without maintaining and expanding the role of nuclear power and it requires strong international partnerships, like the one we are enhancing today. I thank our American partners for their continuos support, Nuclearelectrica for its leadership in the industry and capability to take on the journey to become a regional preferred operator and University of Politehnica for their dedication towards performance and workforce development.  I want to give a clear message:  The romanian prim minister Nicolae Ciuca, our Government, and Romanian President Klaus Iohannis strongly support the development of nuclear energy and the effort to form experts in this domain”- Virgil Popescu, Minister of Energy.

“The United States welcomes this important step on Romania’s path to increased energy security and independence through safe and secure deployment of a small modular reactor, while also becoming an educational and training hub for the region. 

The SMR project at Doicesti, which this E2 Center supports, will showcase Romanian leadership in energy innovation, accelerate the clean energy transition, create thousands of jobs in Romania and the U.S., and strengthen European energy security while upholding the highest standards for nuclear safety, security, and nonproliferation.”, Ann Ganzer the Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary in the Bureau of International Security and Nonproliferation  

“NuScale’s SMR technology is the premier global clean energy solution and can help advance Romania’s position as a leader in the secure and safe deployment of SMRs,” said John Hopkins, NuScale President and Chief Executive Officer. “With the support of the DOS under the FIRST program, we are thrilled to hit another milestone in this remarkable collaboration among our countries and organizations. We look forward to supporting the next generation of clean energy leaders across the region and around the globe.”

„This project opens a whole new horizon for students who aspire to work in the energy sector. As always, our commitment is to provide the highest-quality education to our students and prepare them for successful careers – but the Energy Exploration Center we are launching within the University POLITEHNICA of Bucharest adds a whole new dimension to their career potential. We have implemented innovative teaching methodologies and cutting-edge research practices to offer our students access to an emerging energy sector where highly qualified professionals will be in high demand. The center will provide our students with the necessary skills and knowledge to thrive in a constantly evolving job market.

We thank our partners for the trust and dedication they are investing in the future of Romanian engineers. I am confident that our shared and continued commitment to excellence and innovation will lead to many more achievements and successes in the years to come” stated Mihnea Costoiu, Rector of the University Politehnica of Bucharest.

The E2 Center was developed as part of the Foundational Infrastructure for Responsible Use of Small Modular Reactor Technology (FIRST) programme, a US Government initiative. It builds on the Intergovernmental Agreement between the US and Romania for cooperation on Romania’s nuclear energy program (IGA) signed in December 2020, consolidating a decades-long relationship regarding the progress of the nuclear energy sector, which started in 1968.