Cernavoda nuclear power plant.

30-month modernization designed to future-proof nuclear power plant

SNC-Lavalin has appointed Italy’s Ansaldo Nucleare to supply engineering services for a life extension programme at Unit 1 of Romania’s Cernavoda nuclear power plant.

The work is one of the preparatory activities for a €45 million, 30-month modernisation project awarded to SNC-Lavalin by Romania’s nuclear energy company Nuclearelectrica.

The unit will be 30 years old at the end of 2026 and Nuclearelectrica believes it can have a similar operational timespan if the modernisation work is carried out.

Ansaldo Nucleare was the original designer of the plant and will therefore play a key role in the project, including responsibility for balance of plant work.

Nuclearelectrica chief executive Cosmin Ghi?? said the refurbishment of Unit 1 “will continue to bring multiple benefits to Romania: clean, affordable, and safe energy, preserving high quality jobs, as well as creating new ones, investments in the community, an important contribution to local and national budget, as well as projects for the local supply chain”.