The first Energy Research Center (E2 Center) in Europe was inaugurated at the Polytechnic University of Bucharest on Friday, which includes a control room simulator of the NuScale Small Modular Reactor (SMR). Romania will become the center of education and training of specialists for the next stage of installation of civil nuclear reactors in Romania and Europe, US Ambassador Kathleen Kavalec said, reports Agerpres.

• “It’s great to see Romania using the latest American nuclear technology, which is another indicator of how far our partnership has come. The SMR simulator will be a valuable tool for both students and professionals as we prepare for the construction and operation of nuclear power plants. Doicesti SMR plant. The simulator will also help Romania become the center of SMR technology in the region and far beyond, as well as a base to support the work of this new technology in other countries,” said the ambassador, who was present at the grand opening of Europe’s first Energy Research Center (E2 Center), which houses the NuScale Small Modular Reactor (SMR) control room simulator.

The president of Nuclearelectrica, Kosmin Gitsa, stated that the project is a project for the country and represents an energy revolution.

• “This is a project that does not belong to any institution, but requires and involves an entire ecosystem that unites us. (…) What is happening now is a revolution in energy. (…) We will have more electricity. (…) A successful nuclear program does not mean only technology, and successful technology does not mean only software and equipment, it requires well-trained people, and human resources are what can make a program successful or not,” said Cosmin Gice .

Energy Minister Virgil Popescu emphasized the need for qualified engineers in nuclear power.

• “The first simulator of modular reactors in Europe. And we are a leader in the world of nuclear technology. (…) We need qualified nuclear engineers for the Romanian nuclear program, because yes, Romania has a Romanian nuclear program in addition to conventional reactors. (…) Romania was far-sighted, it wanted to have a very safe nuclear technology. We’re not talking safe, we’re talking very safe. Nuclear technology that does not pollute. Because we assumed as a country by 2050, let’s reduce emissions,” Popescu emphasized.

According to him, in order to have a stable energy system, these modular reactors are needed.

The E2 Center, developed as part of the Core Infrastructure for Responsible Use of Small Modular Reactor Technology (FIRST) program, an initiative of the United States Government, will contribute to Romania’s goals of becoming a leader in the safe deployment of small modular reactors in Romania and Europe, as well as a training center for SMR specialists in the region.

In May 2022, Nuclearelectrica, NuScale and E-Infra, the owner of the site, signed a memorandum of understanding for the development of Romania’s first Small Modular Reactor (SMR) at the site of a former thermal power plant in Deutschesti, Dambovita county.

On June 27, 2022, on the occasion of the launch of the Partnership for Infrastructure and Global Investment, presented at the G7 Leaders’ Summit, US President Joe Biden announced the allocation of a $14 million grant. small modular reactor development stage in Romania by NuScale – Preliminary design and initial design study for the SMR project in Romania.

The American company NuScale Power and the Romanian company RoPower Nuclear have signed a contract for the first phase of engineering design work for the first plant with small modular nuclear reactors in Romania.

• The US finances the design of small modular reactors in Romania for $14 million / “An important step to ensure Romania’s energy independence”