INTERVIEW Cosmin Ghita, Nuclearelectrica: “We want to build strategic projects for the energy future, using Romania’s human resources”

“Once completed, Units 3 & 4 in Cernavoda will supply 66% of Romania’s clean energy, reinforcing nuclear power’s role in deep decarbonization. This is a strategic project for Romania’s long-term energy security and deep decarbonization, a supply chain developer and a new generation of specialists. Today, with the conclusion of the EPCM contract, this project is on track to become a reality in the early 2030s,” Cosmin Ghita, CEO of Nuclearelectrica told The Diplomat-Bucharest.
“State of the art nuclear technology and associated with these investment projects, the development of the human resources strategy has been an essential priority for Nuclearelectrica. I believe that besides technological advancement we need to remain focused on the importance of the workforce. Several years ago, we initiated a process of recruiting and training a new generation of specialists to carry investment projects forward, whether we are talking about the Refurbishment of Unit 1, the Refurbishment of Unit 2 at the 2037 level, the project of Units 3 and 4 or even the implementation of the SMR. We have already initiated dual education projects, on-the-job training programs, internship, and mentoring. Everything that can be implemented at an organizational level for this purpose. For the Unit 1 refurbishment project, we also provided on-the-job training in Canada to facilitate their professional development on already implemented refurbishment projects with the same technology.”
What are the most significant achievements Nuclearelectrica accomplished in 2024, and how do they align with the company’s strategic vision?
In 2024, Nuclearelectrica continued to play a key role in ensuring Romania’s energy security by maintaining stable and reliable electricity production. The company advanced strategic investments focused on modernizing and expanding production capacities, directly contributing to the energy transition and the achievement of environmental objectives. In the context of achieving Romania’s energy security objectives in 2023 and 2024, the most important achievements were related to the progress of major investment projects, including: the refurbishment of Unit 1, the project of Units 3 and 4, the development of Small Modular Reactors (SMR) project, the Tritium Removal Facility (CTRF) project. Other strategic projects with significant economic and social impact, such as the development of medical isotopes and the potential resumption of heavy water production in Romania.
Through these initiatives and projects, Nuclearelectrica contributes not only to energy security and Romania’s decarbonization goals, but also to broader applications of nuclear technology, including the medical field. Furthermore, our strategic projects generate a substantial impact on the capital market, benefiting shareholders and investors, through an integrated and forward-looking approach.
As for the actual degree of achievement and detailed information, this will be available at the reporting date in accordance with the listed company status.
Last but not least, over the years, not just in 2024, we have seen an adjustment of costs in line with inflation including in our area of activity.
What were the biggest challenges faced in 2024, and how did the company address them?
One of the key challenges in 2024 was maintaining a sustained pace of investment while managing multiple projects in parallel. These projects, including the Refurbishment of Unit 1, the Units 3 and 4 project, the Tritium Removal Facility, and the medical isotopes production- all with significant, even critical milestones reached in 2024.
What are the flagship projects Nuclearelectrica is focusing on in 2025?
The Refurbishment of Cernavoda NPP’s Unit 1remains a top priority. SNN has signed the EPC (the Engineering, Procurement and Construction) contract, a critical contract for the project’s completion. This contract includes: elaboration of detailed design and execution details, procurement of equipment and materials, execution of retubing and refurbishment works, as well as construction of the necessary infrastructure for this project.
The estimated value of the contract is €1.9 billion and its entry into force was subject to the approval of the General Meeting of Shareholders of Nuclearelectrica and the approval of the Canadian government, which was obtained on January 25, 2025.
This is the key contract that will extend the operational lifetime of U1 by 30 years to support Romania’s decarbonization goals by avoiding an additional 5 million tons of CO2 emissions annually. We are looking forward to working with internationally renowned partners who have historically contributed to the current operational performance of Units 1 and 2 at Cernavodă NPP.
CANDU reactors have an initial lifetime of 30 years. Following a refurbishment process, this lifetime can be extended by another 30 years, which Nuclearelectrica is currently doing with Unit 1.
The refurbishment of Unit 1 is structured into three phases. Phase 1 of the project consisted in identifying and defining the activities needed to refurbish U1 so that it can operate for another 30-year life cycle, with the developer company Nuclearelectrica signing a contract with the current owner of the technology, CANDU (Atkins Realis).
Phase 2 of the project, the current one, started after the approval of the initial feasibility study (February 2022) and includes securing the financial resources, preparing the execution of the activities identified and defined for the Unit 1 Refurbishment in Phase 1 and obtaining all the necessary permits and authorizations for the implementation of this project.
Phase 3 of the project will begin with the shutdown of Unit 1 in 2027 and consists of the actual execution of the refurbishment works at the unit’s facilities and its return to commercial operation for a new 30-year operating cycle after 2029.
Another crucial project is the Units 3 and 4 development. The strategy foresees the implementation of the Project in three phases: Phase I – Preparatory Phase (preparing/updating the engineering and nuclear safety documentation for the restart of the Project), Phase II – Preliminary Works (Limited Notice to Proceed – LNTP) aimed at further developing the engineering and safety documentation in order to obtain the Nuclear Safety Construction Authorization from CNCAN and to increase the accuracy of the overall Project budget and schedule, qualifying potential suppliers, obtaining EC authorization for state aid, structuring and closing the financing – and Phase III – Construction (Final Notice to Proceed – FNTP).
The EPCM contract signed in Baku marks a major milestone in the advancement and, ultimately, the finalization of Romania’s strategic project for Units 3 and 4 of the Cernavodă NPP, starting the Phase 2 of the project. The EPCM contract is the very foundation of the project, ensuring the overall coordination of the Project implementation through design and engineering services, technical assistance, quality assurance, project management and procurement support services, through a consortium of highly qualified, internationally recognized partners including AtkinsRéalis, Fluor Corporation, Ansaldo Nucleare and Sargent and Lundy. Once Units 3 and 4 are connected to the grid, 66% of Romania’s clean energy will be provided by nuclear power, demonstrating once again the critical role of nuclear energy in deep decarbonization
The EPCM contract, spanning 108 months, consists of: LNTP Phase (24-30 months) – further engineering development and regulatory approvals and the FNTP Phase (80-84 months)– construction and commissioning, following the final investment decision. At the end of the LNTP phase, the feasibility of the project will be re-examined on the basis of the new technical and economic indicators and the Final Investment Decision will be adopted, allowing the project to advance to Phase III – Construction (FNTP).
Once completed, Units 3 & 4 will supply 66% of Romania’s clean energy, reinforcing nuclear power’s role in deep decarbonization.
This is a strategic project for Romania’s long-term energy security and deep decarbonization, a supply chain developer and a new generation of specialists. Today, with the conclusion of the EPCM contract, this project is on track to become a reality in the early 2030s.
Another key project is the Cernavodă Tritium Removal Facility (CTRF)Last year, SNN and KHNP announced the start of work on Europe’s first Tritium Removal Facility at the Cernavodă NPP. This marks a significant step forward in nuclear technology and environmental protection in line with the European Union’s sustainability goals.
The facility will remove tritium from the plant, leading to increased environmental protection, fully in line with Nuclearelectrica’s and Europe’s ESG objectives. Using an innovative Romanian technology developed by the National Research and Development Institute for Cryogenic and Isotope Technologies – ICSI Rm. Vâlcea, the Cernavodă Tritium Removal Facility (CTRF) will be the third in the world and the first in Europe and will give Romania the opportunity to become a European center for the production and export of tritium – the candidate fuel for future fusion reactors. Romania also has the opportunity to develop its supply chain and become a center for the development and export of Romanian technology and know-how, using local industry and workforce.
The CTRF project, carried out by ICSI Rm. Vâlcea, utilizes the most advanced technology, including updated nuclear safety requirements for an industrial tritium removal facility, as established by the Romanian National Commission for the Control of Nuclear Activities (CNCAN).
We are pleased to implement an innovative Romanian technology together with KHNP, a leading nuclear expert, to realize a safe and reliable project. The Tritium Removal Facility demonstrates Nuclearelectrica’s commitment to safe operation and environmental protection. This project underlines Romania’s leading role in the nuclear industry and contributes to national energy security.
On the topic of Small Modular Reactors, Nuclearelectrica is leading the deployment of SMRs in Romania, and therefore in Europe. These reactors offer a scalable option for nuclear power generation. The Doicești SMR project, with a total capacity of 462 MWe, will replace a former coal plant, creating over 200 permanent jobs, 1500 jobs during construction and avoid 4 million tons of CO2 emissions annually.
SMRs have a long-term strategic role in replacing coal-fired capacity that is being phased out, to provide complementarity between large-capacity reactors and SMRs, but also between SMRs and renewables, providing that feature the nuclear industry needed: flexibility.
In time, as the needs, but also the interest of EU countries and at international level, indicate, SMRs will become the most efficient way of providing clean energy in more remote areas, either on their own or in hybrid format with renewable sources, as is the case with the Doicești project.
The Doicești SMR project is in FEED Phase 2 (Front-End Engineering and Design Phase 2). At the end of FEED 2, we will have an updated cost estimate for the Class 3 project, an updated project schedule, as well as the design, regulatory licenses and all the nuclear safety and security analyses needed for the final investment decision.
Engaged in a partnership with Framatome, Nuclearelectrica is taking an essential step in the development of nuclear medicine. Framatome is an international industrial leader in the field of nuclear energy, including in the field of nuclear medicine that promotes the production of isotopes for medical applications. Based on Framatome’s patented technology, reliable, industrial-scale production of Lu-177, a medical isotope used for targeted cancer therapies, can be ensured. This technology is currently installed at Bruce Power, Canada and was installed during a planned reactor shutdown.
The two companies have started implementing the project, which includes the detailed design, procurement, installation and commissioning of the irradiation system at Unit 2 of the Cernavodă nuclear power plant. The launch of a large-scale commercial irradiation service for medical isotopes is scheduled for 2028.
Nuclearelectrica is committed to promoting not only energy production but also public health. The production of Lutetium-177 marks an important milestone for Romania and the global nuclear industry. Our role in supporting cutting-edge oncology treatments through nuclear medicine reinforces the role of nuclear energy in improving well-being. This project highlights the multiple contributions that nuclear energy can make – clean energy generation and the production of medical isotopes.
How is Nuclearelectrica investing in research and development to stay at the forefront of nuclear technology?
State of the art nuclear technology and associated with these investment projects, the development of the human resources strategy has been an essential priority for Nuclearelectrica. I believe that besides the technological advancement we need to remain focused on the importance of the workforce. Several years ago, we initiated a process of recruiting and training a new generation of specialists to carry investment projects forward, whether we are talking about the Refurbishment of Unit 1, the Refurbishment of Unit 2 at the 2037 level, the project of Units 3 and 4 or even the implementation of the SMR. We have already initiated dual education projects, on-the-job training programs, internship, mentoring. Everything that can be implemented at organizational level for this purpose. For the Unit 1 refurbishment project, we also provided on-the-job training in Canada to facilitate their professional development on already implemented refurbishment projects with the same technology.
We want to build robust, strategic projects for Romania’s energy future, using Romania’s human resources. It is up to us to stop migration to other countries as much as possible. Yes, we take young people and specialists from Romania and train them further for our projects.
Are there opportunities for the company to collaborate with other sectors or industries to maximize the potential of nuclear energy?
The shift toward decarbonization and sustainability has opened up new customer opportunities for nuclear energy. In Romania, we are actively exploring partnerships to provide low-carbon electricity to industrial consumers, data centers, and even regional neighbors like Moldova.
In addition to electricity, there is growing interest in nuclear’ s ability to support broader decarbonization efforts. For example, industries like steel and cement manufacturing are looking to nuclear for low-carbon process heat. Hydrogen production is another exciting area, where nuclear energy can provide emissions-free power for electrolysis.
Tech companies, similar to trends in the U.S., are also exploring nuclear as a way to meet their sustainability goals while ensuring uninterrupted power supply for operations like data centers. These new customer segments demonstrate the growing recognition of nuclear as a versatile, clean energy source with applications far beyond electricity generation.
Where do you see Nuclearelectrica in 2030, and what steps are being taken now to secure that future?
The two nuclear units that we operate at Cernavodă contribute to Romania’s energy security but also to achieving decarbonization targets through the 215 million tons of CO2 avoided since commissioning to date (10 million tons of CO2 avoided annually) and contribute 33% of the total clean energy in Romania. And this significant impact comes only from the operation of 2 CANDU units.
By expanding nuclear capacity with CANDU units in Romania, nuclear energy will reach over 66% contribution in clean energy, 20 million tons of CO2 avoided annually. Taking also into account the implementation of the SMR, the percentage of clean energy will increase significantly, ensuring the maintenance and/or development of areas where coal-fired power plants were located, generating in addition to clean energy and thousands of new jobs, directly and indirectly.
The nuclear sector has led to the elimination of about 74Gt of CO2 emissions in the last 50 years, which amounts to almost two years of total global energy emissions. Building additional new units on the Cernavodă site will double this figure. The refurbishment of Unit 1 also plays an important role in decarbonization.
The nuclear industry in Romania makes an important contribution to the national GDP and provides thousands of jobs. This figure will increase to 20,000 jobs after the start of the new nuclear projects we have undertaken.
There is a need to provide low-carbon, baseload generation capacity as a back-up for renewables. Here again, nuclear is a definite solution. According to a FORATOM study, if the share of renewables increases by 190% and the share of nuclear power remains unchanged until 2050, Europe will continue to be dependent on natural gas for up to 26% and coal for up to 12% of its energy needs, both with high CO2 emissions.
Looking further into the future, nuclear technology is already addressing changing consumption needs by becoming more flexible, less capital-intensive in the construction phase and also solving the nuclear waste problem through continuous reprocessing in Generation IV reactors. Small modular reactors are the nuclear industry’s answer to decarbonization requirements, making this technology easier to deploy and operate in off-grid areas, industrial sites and so on, with increased passive safety systems, requiring even fewer resources, such as fuel and cooling water, to operate.
The impact of investments in nuclear is quantifiable both in terms of increased security of supply for Romania and the region, given the unified European market which is expected to reach 15% interconnectivity by 2030, and in terms of the development of related industries, infrastructure, R&D and education.
What message would you like to share with stakeholders, investors, and the public regarding Nuclearelectrica’s role in Romania’s energy landscape?
The evolution of the share price depends on many factors: the energy market and its impact on profitability, the regional and international context. The message to investors is one of transparency and commitment to the sustainable growth of the company, maintaining an open dialog and providing updated information about SNN’s activities and financial results. Nuclearelectrica is a reliable company, with very long-term impact and results.
Our strategic projects reinforce Romania’s energy independence, while ensuring a sustainable and prosperous future for all.