Sebastian-Ioan Burduja, Minister of Energy:“This is the most important project for the Romanian energy sector in recent decades. We have the strongest international partners alongside us to complete it by 2031-2032.”

Yesterday, the Ministry of Energy voted in the General Assembly of .holders of Nuclearelectrica SA for signing the most significant contract for Units 3 and 4 of the Cernavodă Nuclear Power Plant. Today, during a festive ceremony in Baku, representatives of Nuclearelectrica and Energonuclear (the project company) signed the Engineering, Procurement, and Construction Management (EPCM) contract, LNTP phase, for the development of Units 3 and 4 of the Cernavodă Nuclear Power Plant. The event took place during the UN Climate Change Conference, COP 29, and marks a critical stage in strengthening energy security and transitioning towards affordable and clean energy for Romania.

*”This is the most important project for the Romanian energy sector in recent decades. We have the strongest international partners alongside us to complete it by 2031-2032. Today’s contract signing required a considerable effort on all fronts: diplomatic, financial, and legal. I thank all Romanian state authorities at all levels for their constant support of this vital investment for future generations. And for our team, this is a special day, crowning our mandate at the Ministry of Energy.

Secure, affordable, and clean energy for Romania’s future. The project figures are impressive. The two new reactors will add over 1,400 MW of installed capacity at Cernavodă, increase Romania’s annual energy production by over 11 million MWh for at least 30 years of operation, create over 19,000 well-paid jobs, and avoid at least 10 million tons of CO2 emissions annually. Based on the estimated production, Units 3 and 4 will be able to cover the equivalent of today’s annual consumption for over 7 million households in Romania.

Once this investment is completed, in over 7-8 years, Romania will secure over 30% of its national energy needs solely through nuclear energy production. Moreover, our country will enjoy a competitive energy price at the regional and European levels, which will support the entire Romanian economy and reduce energy bills for all Romanians. Today’s historic step is also symbolic: Romania is proving capable of carrying forward strategic projects envisioned 50 years ago and blocked by decades of hesitation, neglect, or lack of decision,”* stated Sebastian-Ioan Burduja, Minister of Energy.

The EPCM contract was concluded between EnergoNuclear, a subsidiary fully owned by Nuclearelectrica, and the FCSA joint company formed by Fluor B.V., Fluor Energy Transition Inc. Wilmington Bucharest Branch, AtkinsRéalis, Ansaldo Nucleare S.p.A., S&L Engineers, Ltd., and Sargent & Lundy Energie S.R.L. This contract is structured into two essential phases: LNTP (Limited Notice to Proceed) and FNTP (Final Notice to Proceed).

“Today marks a major step in the development and, ultimately, the completion of Romania’s strategic project for Units 3 and 4 of the Cernavodă Nuclear Power Plant. The EPCM contract represents the foundation of the project. We are honored to work on this contract and project with internationally recognized professional partners such as AtkinsRéalis, Fluor Corporation, Ansaldo Nucleare, and Sargent & Lundy, as the success of a project depends on both expertise and robust technology. The CANDU technology-based Units 3 and 4 will provide Romania with energy security and clean energy in a safe and sustainable manner. Once Units 3 and 4 are connected to the grid, 66% of Romania’s clean energy will be provided by nuclear power, once again demonstrating the critical role of nuclear energy in decarbonization. I express my sincere appreciation to the EnergoNuclear team, the SNN team, and our partners for their professionalism and joint efforts in building a solid project together,” stated Cosmin Ghiță, CEO of Nuclearelectrica.

During the LNTP phase, the EPCM contract provides design, development, project management, engineering, technical assistance, and procurement support services, all aimed at ensuring an integrated quality assurance system so that Units 3 and 4 are prepared for commercial operation. After completing this phase and reassessing feasibility based on updated technical and economic indicators, the final investment decision will enable the actual start of construction on-site.

Expanding CANDU Units 3 and 4 has a significant impact on Romania’s economy and energy sustainability. Through this ambitious project, Romania will create approximately 19,000 indirect jobs and contribute 33% to the total national energy production through nuclear energy. Moreover, CO2 emissions will be reduced by 20 million tons annually once all four units are operational.

Additionally, the nuclear project will boost the development of the national supply chain, stimulating a wide range of related industries. The Ministry of Energy congratulates the partners involved and reaffirms its full support for the success of this strategically significant project at both the national and regional levels.