Agreement to build NuScale Power SMR nuclear plants in central and eastern Europe

A rendering of a NuScale Power Voygr SMR plant (Image courtesy of NuScale Power)

A group of companies has signed an agreement to collaborate on the construction of NuScale VOYGR small modular reactor (SMR) power plants in central and eastern Europe and Romania.

Romania’s state-owned power company Nuclearelectrica, Fluor Enterprises, Samsung C&T and NuScale Power were among the companies to sign the memorandum of understanding.

The agreement brings the companies together to focus on potentially expanding and developing SMR deployment in the region and at the coal-fired power plant in Doicesti, Romania.

Nuclearelectrica, NuScale Power, E-Infra, Nova Power & Gas, Fluor and Samsung C&T will work together on project planning, licensing, permitting, engineering, procurement, construction, operation, maintenance, decommissioning and financing of the emerging technology.

Romania is the first company in Europe to sign an agreement with NuScale to develop its SMR technology.

Nuclearelectrica claimed that it would create 190 permanent jobs, 1,500 construction jobs and 2,300 production jobs.

Cosmin Ghita, chief executive officer, Nuclearelectrica, said, “The SMR deployment is an unprecedented international cooperation effort entirely dedicated to meet energy and decarbonization need.

“The SMR project will ensure energy security, local and regional development, former coal-based facility repowering, and will bring multiple economic and social benefits.

“From financing support to technical support, SMR deployment, in Romania and internationally, benefits from the joined effort of highly experienced and skilled states and organizations.”

Se Chul Oh, president & chief executive officer, Samsung C&T Corporation said, “For Romania and Europe to accomplish energy conversion and the carbon-neutral 2050 goal, I believe the Romanian SMR project is a very important first milestone.

“Samsung C&T is successfully carrying out the UAE Barakah Nuclear Power Plant project, which is Korea’s first nuclear power plant export, and Saeul Nuclear Power Plants 3 and 4 in the Republic of Korea. Based on our more than 30 years of experience in the nuclear power industry, we are winning the confidence of international partners. We are pleased to be a part of this initiative and will do our best to succeed.”