NuScale technology, licensed by U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission

The NuScale technology has been licensed by the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) with the 77MW model intended for the Doicesti project, meaning that Romania is ready to become a leader in safe and clean energy in Europe, Energy Minister Sebastian Burduja announced on Friday.'The Ministry of Energy welcomes the announcement made by NuScale Power regarding the approval received from the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) for the standard design of the 250 MWt (77 MWe) small modular reactor (SMR), intended to be used in the Romanian project. The NRC is considered the world's most rigorous nuclear regulator, and the licensing model chosen by NuScale fully covers the design in use, unlike other technologies that opted for partial licensing,' the ministry said in a press release.This decision confirms that the technology developed by NuScale meets the world's highest nuclear safety standards and paves the way for the large-scale implementation of an advanced, scalable, and clean energy solution, the press release also reads.Through the pilot project in Doicesti, Romania could become the first country in the European Union to adopt this next-generation technology, strengthening its position as a regional leader in the energy transition and a strategic partner of the United States in nuclear energy.'The NRC's decision regarding NuScale's technology - the very technology that Romania plans to implement at Doicesti, a European first - represents more than just a technical validation. It is an international recognition of the strategic direction we are following and a clear signal that the energy future belongs to courageous, innovative and visionary countries. Thus, NuScale's 77MW reactor design becomes the most mature SMR technology in the world today. Romania is a pioneer in Europe's energy transition, demonstrating that we can be the first European nation to adopt, develop, and integrate small modular reactors into the national energy system by the 2029-2030 timeframe. These reactors will provide clean, safe, stable and affordable energy, with minimal carbon footprint and significant benefits for national energy security,' Minister Burduja is quoted in the release as saying.According to him, the Doicesti project means not just energy, but also industry, jobs, innovation, education and leadership.The SMR project in Doicesti is being developed in partnership with NuScale Power and supported by the United States Government through the Department of Energy (DOE) and the U.S. Trade and Development Agency (USTDA). It is currently in the detailed design phase, with the final investment decision and potential start of construction expected in the first part of next year. These milestones will depend on several key variables such as financing, involved partners and the direct and indirect benefits for the national economy, according to the Ministry of Energy release