Ministry of Energy reconfirms support for Doicesti SMR project; final investment decision expected in 2026

The Ministry of Energy reaffirms its support for the continuation of the Small Modular Reactor (SMR) project in Doicesti, currently in Phase 2 of the design and feasibility studies, after the solution for the full financing of the current stage has been identified, with the final investment decision to be taken in 2026, the Ministry of Energy announced on Thursday."The Ministry of Energy reaffirms its support for the continuation of the SMR project in Doicesti, currently in Phase 2 of the Design and Feasibility Studies. After discussions with the project company's shareholders, the solution for the full financing of the current development stage has been identified. According to the current course, the final investment decision is to be taken next year," the press release states.At the same time, the Ministry of Energy is exploring the possibility of developing new SMR projects in Romania, with the objective of placing the country in the position of leader and promoter of an innovative and safe technology from nuclear sources."The SMR project in Doicesti continues, with the support of the Ministry of Energy. I thank the shareholders of the project company who found the solution and the necessary resources to complete the final phase of the design and feasibility studies, which will provide us with all the necessary information for a final investment decision, scheduled for 2026," said the Minister of Energy, Bogdan Ivan, quoted in the press release.According to the cited source, the SMR project in Doicesti will continue with the unchanged shareholding structure of the project company RoPower Nuclear, consisting of Nuclearelectrica and Nova Power and Gas."The project team is very close to completing the last stage of studies necessary for a correct and final investment decision. At this point, we consider it appropriate for the shareholding structure to remain unchanged, and then, based on the conclusions of the feasibility study, we will open the project to investors," explained the minister of Energy.The Doicesti SMR project involves the installation of 6 small nuclear reactors, each with an installed capacity of 77 MW. The complex will produce 462 MW on-line at a capacity factor of over 95%, the ministry said. At the same time, the technology on which the project is based is the only one in the world to have received two design approvals from the nuclear regulator in the United States of America."I believe in this project because it comes with an innovative and safe solution to our need for band-delivered energy. It works constantly, regardless of weather conditions, water flow or solar power and, very importantly, without harmful emissions into the atmosphere. That is why we have decided to explore new possibilities to develop similar projects in Romania. In addition to energy, we are talking about our assured place in an emerging industry that generates jobs, expertise and profit for Romanian companies, as well as the preparation of generations of highly specialized experts for the future", Bogdan Ivan emphasized.