(Finance) – Ansaldo Nuclearein joint venture with Candu Energy Inc. (part of AtkinsRéalis), Fluor Corporation And Sargent & Lundy, was awarded a crucial contract for the first phase of the expansion of the Cernavoda nuclear power plant, in Romania. The contract, commissioned by EnergoNuclear SA., marks the start of work on the construction of units 3 and 4 of the site. The agreement, made official during the UN COP 29 in Bakurepresents a significant step to strengthen Romania’s energy security, while promoting the transition to cleaner energy.
The project envisages that the joint venture provides a set of key technical data for a final investment decision, including engineering and construction plans, updated cost estimates and preliminary nuclear safety reports. At the end of this phase, EnergoNuclear will be able to authorize the definitive continuation of the work, leading to the construction of the new units. Units 3 and 4 will be equipped with CANDU technology, which already characterizes the first two operational units since 1996 and 2007 and which contribute to approximately 20% of the country’s electricity needs. With the addition of the new units, the overall power of the plant will double, consolidating Romania as a leader in nuclear energy production in Europe.
The reactor of unit 2 of Cernavodain particular, holds the world record for the highest capacity factor among all operational nuclear reactors globally, testifying to the quality and reliability of the technology used. Romania is also preparing the extension of the useful life of the the plant’s first reactor, a project in which Ansaldo Nucleare plays a central role.
This project also strengthens the economic ties between Italy and Romania. At the beginning of the year, SACE, the Italian insurance financial group, has signed a memorandum of understanding with SN Nuclearelectrica SA and Ansaldo Nucleare, guaranteeing financing of up to 2 billion euros to support the Romanian nuclear program.
“This project represents an important milestone that brings Italy closer to important international partners. Faced with the growing demand for electricity, nuclear energy plays a fundamental role in energy security and in the transition towards cleaner energy”, he said. stated Daniela Gentile, CEO of Ansaldo Nucleare. “This agreement not only underlines the importance of international collaboration and Europe’s commitment to nuclear energy, but also reflects confidence in Ansaldo Nucleare’s 60 years of experience.”
“Today an important milestone has been reached in the advancement and completion of Romania’s strategic Cernavoda NPP Units 3 and 4 project. The EPCM contract represents the very foundation of the project. We are honored to work on this contract and project with highly professional and recognized internationally as Candu Energy, a company of AtkinsRéalis, Fluor Corporation, Ansaldo Nucleare, Sargent & Lundy; as the success of a project comes from both expertise and solid technology CANDU technology units 3 and 4 will provide to Romania energy security and clean energy in a safe and sustainable way. When units 3 and 4 are connected to the grid, 66% of Romania’s clean energy will be provided by nuclear energy, demonstrating, once again, the critical role of energy nuclear in full decarbonization. I express my deep appreciation to the EnergoNuclear team, the SNN team and our partners for their professionalism and joint efforts in building a solid project together,” he said. Cosmin Ghita, CEO of Nuclearelectrica.
Also during COP 29, Ansaldo Energia has strengthened its partnership with Azerenerji JSC, the largest electricity producer in Azerbaijan. The two companies have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to initiate new projects focused on green hydrogen, carbon capture and storage (CCS) and small modular nuclear reactors (SMRs). Among the planned initiatives, the construction of a pilot plant for the production of hydrogen stands out, based on electrolysers developed by the subsidiary Ansaldo Green Tech, with a potential expansion for a hydrogen-powered power plant.
The partnership is part of a context of growing cooperation between Italy and Azerbaijan. Already in 2023, Azerenerji had commissioned Ansaldo Energia supply of advanced gas turbines for the modernization of the Mingachevir power plant, guaranteeing energy to 1.2 million families and a reduction of over 2 million tonnes of CO2 per year.
“COP 29 is the ideal context to consolidate our fruitful cooperation with Azerenerji, a strategic partner and promoter of a concrete and effective vision in the decarbonisation of energy generation. We share with Azerenerji and the Republic of Azerbaijan the attention to the importance of environmental, social and economic sustainability towards the Net-zero objective – he said Fabrizio Fabbri, CEO of Ansaldo Energia – By leveraging the efficiency, operational flexibility and readiness of our turbine fleet to burn hydrogen, we are proud to contribute to the energy security and transition of the Republic of Azerbaijan by also sharing our expertise in the field of hydrogen production.”
On the sidelines of the MOU signing ceremony, Ansaldo Energia also formalized the acquisition of a significant amount of carbon credits generated by two hydroelectric plants owned by Azerenerji OJSC (SOCAR-1 and SOCAR-2) in the Kalbajar region of the Republic of Azerbaijan. With this commitment, Ansaldo Energia demonstrates its support for the country’s vision of energy transitionsince the electricity generated from renewable sources, if higher than the grid demand, will be stored in the form of hydrogen and subsequently used as fuel in gas turbines when electricity demand makes it necessary.