Nuclearelectrica and Korea Hydro and Nuclear Power (KHNP) have held a ceremony to mark the start of work on what will become Europe's first tritium removal facility, at Romania's Cernavoda nuclear power plant, https://www.world-nuclear-news.org/ reads. As a Candu pressurised heavy water reactor ages, tritium - an isotope of hydrogen - accumulates in its moderator and heat transport systems. Increased levels of tritium can significantly contribute to personnel dose rates and emissions levels in the environment. Tritium removal technology is designed to capture and process tritium so that it can be properly stored and recycled, thereby reducing environmental impact, personnel exposure levels and enhancing workplace safety. The Cernavoda tritium removal facility - the world's third, and the first in Europe - will use technology developed by the Romanian National Research and Development Institute for Cryogenic and Isotopic Technologies, a scientific research and technological development unit under the coordination of the Ministry of Research, Innovation and Digitalisation. The tritium removal facility will include several high-technology areas: liquid phase isotopic separation, cryogenic distillation and high-vacuum operation. The tritium extracted will be stored in secure and safe specialised containers ready for future uses - which could include fuel for future fusion reactors. In June 2023 KHNP signed an engineering, procurement and construction contract worth KRW260 billion (USD200 million) with Nuclearelectrica for the new facility following a public procurement process. And in January 2024 Nuclearelectrica secured a loan agreement of EUR145 million (USD159 million) with the European Investment Bank towards the project, which has a completion timeline estimated to be 50 months. Cosmin Ghita, CEO of Nuclearelectrica, said: "We are pleased to implement an innovative Romanian technology together with KHNP, a leading nuclear expert, to achieve a safe and reliable project. The tritium removal facility demonstrates Nuclearelectrica’s commitment to safe operations and environmental protection. This project underlines Romania’s leading role in the nuclear industry and contributes to national energy security." Jooho Whang, CEO of KHNP, said: "The groundbreaking ceremony ... is a very important milestone which signifies the execution of the project in earnest ... the facility will enhance environmental protection, while contributing to safe operation of the Cernavoda NPP and economic growth of the country as well. Going forward, I expect the nuclear industries between Romania and South Korea will have closer and stronger collaboration." Cernavoda is the only nuclear power plant in Romania and consists of two 650 MWe Candu-6 reactors. Unit 1 went into commercial operation in 1996 and unit 2 in 2007. Nuclearelectrica plans to extend the operating life of unit 1 to 60 years. Tritium removal facilities are already in operation at Ontario Power Generation's Darlington plant and Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power's Wolsong plant, both home to Candu reactors.
Romania's efforts to stabilize its fiscal position and finalize a new ruling coalition have been delayed after president Nicușor Dan rejected a proposed VAT rate increase central to a budgetary corrective package agreed by the four pro-Western parties,
A sword that may date back to the Bronze Age, roughly 3,500 years ago, was found following searches carried out in a case of aggravated theft, in the commune of Corbasca, Bacău County. The searches targeted the home of a 61-year-old man suspected of illegally possessing a cultural asset likely to be part of the […]
The construction works volume in Romania decreased by 0.5% y/y in gross terms and by 2.8% in workday and seasonal adjusted terms in April, after it boasted a robust 10.6% y/y advance in Q1 (largely on low base effects), according to data published by the statistics office. By type of construction, engineering works—representing approximately 45% […]
Romania's economic sentiment rebounded sharply in May following the presidential election victory of pro-Western candidate Nicușor Dan, according to data published by the CFA Romania Society on June 19. The recovery comes after a significant decline in April amid fears of a potential win by isolationist candidate George Simion. After the recovery in May, the […]
Salt Bank has appointed Vikram Tikoo as its new Chief Technology Officer, marking a significant step forward in the company's pursuit of its digital banking vision. The appointment will take effect once approved by the National Bank of Romania. Vikram has extensive international experience delivering technology solutions on a global scale. He will help enhance […]
Romania’s average net wage, which has posted annual growth rates for nearly two years, advanced by only 3.5% y/y in CFI deflated terms - the lowest growth rate since April 2023, according to data published by the statistics office INS. In nominal terms, the annual advance was 9.9% – the second-lowest growth rate since 2021. […]
