- Fluor has secured a contract with RoPower Nuclear for Phase 2 of the front end engineering and design work for Europe’s first SMR in Doicesti, Romania, using NuScale Power’s technology.
- The contract signing, held during the Partnership for Transatlantic Energy and Climate Cooperation summit in Bucharest, emphasized the importance of bilateral cooperation for clean and secure energy, attended by key figures including the US Secretary of Energy and the Romanian Minister of Energy.
- The project, funded by the US Trade and Development Agency, aims to establish a six-reactor SMR plant capable of generating up to 462 MW, positioning Romania as a leader in nuclear power innovation and setting a precedent for sustainable energy development in Europe.
Europe’s first SMR is on the way as Fluor has secured a contract with RoPower Nuclear for Phase 2 of the front end engineering and design work in Doicesti, Romania. This partnership to develop SMR technology, provided by NuScale Power, shows the initiative Romania has to lead Europe’s ambition towards clean energy. From this signing , it is clear that this bilateral cooperation is crucial in developing SMR technology and addressing the need for carbon free power generation.
The signing between these two ambitious companies is significant in the development of what may be the first SMR in Europe. US based Fluor Corporation is the majority investor of NuScale Power, which has the first and only SMR design certified by the US Nuclear Regulatory Commission. RoPower Nuclear is the joint venture of Romania’s state owned Nuclearelectrica and private owned Nova Power and Gas. The contract was signed in accordance with Phase 2 front end engineering and design of the SMR.
The contract ceremony was held during the Partnership for Transatlantic Energy and Climate Cooperation summit in Bucharest, Romania. The event was attended by Fluor and NuScale representatives, as well as the Romanian Minister of Energy, Sebastian Burduja, and the US Secretary of Energy, Jennifer Granholm. This gathering is significant as it emphasizes bilateral cooperation as well as the critical role that the development of SMR technology plays in clean and secure energy.
The US Trade and Development Agency Director Enoh T. Ebong was also present for the contract signing as the USTDA is responsible for the funding the SMR project Romania. T. Ebong exclaims that “Romania has a thriving nuclear power industry and a clear vision for leading SMR technology deployment in Europe”. With the technology provided by NuScale Power, “Romania aims to be an example for other countries in the region” announced Berduja. Additionally, Berduja remarks that “This investment has the potential to put our country on the map of the most important global energy centers”, further establishing the significance of this partnership.
The new contract of Phase 2 FEED is the result of the first phase of the SMR project which finished in late 2023 and defined the major site and specific inputs for the SMR plant as well as organize the work that will take place in Phase 2.
At the end of Phase 2 FEED, the cost estimate, updated project schedule, as well as the design including nuclear safety and security will be updated for the final investment decision. Adhering to European codes and standards, Phase 2 FEED work will tailor a six reactor SMR plant that is capable of cranking out up to 462 MW.
The collaboration between Fluor and RoPower Nuclear marks a significant step towards establishing Europe’s first SMR in Romania, highlighting the country’s ambition and commitment to advancing clean energy technology and positioning itself as a leader in the region’s nuclear power landscape. This partnership not only underscores the importance of bilateral cooperation in energy innovation but also aims to set a precedent for sustainable energy development across Europe.
