Romanian nuclear utility Societatea Națională Nuclearelectrica (SNN) have signed a long-term Framework Agreement with Canadian Nuclear Partners (CNPSA) to provide Project Management Organisation (PMO) services for the preparation and implementation of the refurbishment project for unit 1 of the Cernavoda NPP.
The €240m ($256m) Framework Agreement represents an essential step for completion of the Cernavoda 1 refurbishment in compliance with the established development stages. CNPSA, a subsidiary of Laurentis Energy Partners (Laurentis), will support SNN by providing project management services, technical assistance, consulting services, training specific to Candu plant refurbishment and organisation and coordination of the unit’s commissioning, up to its return to commercial operation. This builds on an earlier agreement signed in 2021 between SNN and Laurentis, through CNPSA, to develop a conservation programme for reactor water systems during refurbishment.
“The world is watching as Ontario continues to deliver multi-billion-dollar Candu nuclear refurbishment projects on time and on budget,” said Ontario Education Minister Todd Smith. “We’re ready to support our allies, leveraging all that experience and expertise to support the refurbishment of Cernavoda NPP unit 1 so it can continue to deliver reliable and clean energy for generations to come and provide continued energy security.”
Ontario Minister of Energy & Electrification Stephen Lecce noted: “With increasing geopolitical volatility, it is clear that countries around the world are looking for stable democratic energy partners that offer clean, reliable and affordable energy – and Ontario is once again answering that call. We are proud to partner with Romania to deliver this major refurbishment that is going to support energy security in Europe while creating new economic opportunities for workers in both of our countries.”
Nuclearelectrica CEO Cosmin Ghita said: “Highly professional and robust project management, with combined Canadian and Romanian experience, will enable Romania to benefit from clean, safe and reliable energy for another 30 years beyond 2029. Romania and Canada have been working together for more than 50 years in the nuclear industry and they continue to do so by fostering strategic projects to advance energy security, decarbonisation and economic development.”
Jason Van Wart, CEO of CNPSA welcomed the opportunity to partner with SNN to provide the services needed to carry out the refurbishment project. “We are pleased to leverage our decades of experience with Canadian-made Candu technology to help deliver the unit 1 refurbishment project on time and on budget and demonstrate how Canadian nuclear experts can support clean energy projects in other parts of the world.”
