Romanian nuclear utility SN Nuclearelectrica (SNN) has signed two agreements with French EDF Group subsidiaries. The first agreement, signed with Arabelle Solutions, is for the refurbishment of unit 1 at the Cernavoda NPP. The second agreement with Framatome is for the development of the Medical Radioisotopes Project.
Arabelle Solutions will provide equipment and services for the refurbishment of the turbine-generator of Cernavoda 1, as part refurbishment for its 30-year life extension from 2029. Refurbishment is in its second phase of development focusing mainly on engineering, procurement, permits, financing, planning and infrastructure construction. SNN has already started civil construction work for the refurbishment. Unit 1 will be disconnected from the grid in 2027 and recommissioned in 2029.
The Cernavodă site houses two Candu 6 pressurised heavy water reactors (units 1&2) on a site originally constructed for five. Unit 1 went into commercial operation in 1996 and unit 2 in 2007. Construction of three more units began but was stopped in 1990 when unit 3 was 52% complete and unit 4 was 30% complete. The two 720 MWe operating units provide about 20% of Romania’s power.
Recently SNN and a banking syndicate led by JP Morgan SE signed two financing agreements totalling €620m ($725m) for the refurbishment of Cernavodă unit 1 and for the Cernavodă NPP 3&4 expansion project, after receiving the approval by Nuclearelectrica’s shareholders.
Civil construction works on the infrastructure needed for the refurbishment of unit 1, which began in 2017 and is currently in the second of three stages of execution, began in August. The third phase is scheduled for 2027 to 2029. The €540m loan for the project will support planning, contracting, engineering, and construction services, procurement of equipment, and securing necessary permits. In November 2024, SNN signed the engineering, procurement and construction contract for the refurbishment with a consortium of Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power, AtkinsRéalis’s Candu Energy, Canadian Commercial Corporation and Ansaldo Nucleare.
“Our goal is to provide Romania with energy security, clean energy, and standards of excellence through international partnerships, expertise, and local and national development. We have taken essential steps in developing SNN’s strategic projects in 2024 and 2025,” said SNN CEO Cosmin Ghita. “The refurbishment of Cernavoda NPP Unit 1 aims to ensure the safe and economically efficient operation of the unit for a new full life cycle. All preparation and implementation activities are carried out according to the highest standards of excellence and international best practices. We are pleased to collaborate with Arabelle Solutions, a trusted partner that has contributed to the successful operation of Cernavoda Units 1 and 2 over many years.”
“We are proud to support the refurbishment of Cernavoda 1, a project of strategic importance for Romania’s energy future, said Arabelle Solutions CEO Catherine Cornand. “This contract reflects our commitment to delivering proven, reliable, and innovative technologies that enable the safe, long-term operation of nuclear assets, while providing reliable, low-carbon electricity to future generations.”
The project builds on the longstanding collaboration between Arabelle Solutions and Nuclearelectrica. Over the years, Arabelle Solutions has provided maintenance services for units 1&2, including multi-year agreements and refurbishment of shaft line components. The refurbishment programme covers every phase of the project, from engineering studies and manufacturing to the on-site dismantling of existing systems, installation of new equipment, and long-term maintenance operations, with the unit scheduled to return to operation in 2030.
The agreement with Framatome establishes the framework under which Framatome and SNN will collaborate to implement the production of Lutetium 177 at Cernavoda NPP, operate the equipment and infrastructure resulting from implementation of this project and develop other projects related to the production of medical radioisotopes. The IRIS (Innovative Romanian Isotope System), initiated in 2024, has now begun effective implementation with the aim of launching a commercial service in 2028.
Framatome CEO Grégoire Ponchon noted: “This agreement underscores Framatome and Nuclearelectrica’s commitment to strengthening the supply chain for lifesaving radioisotopes in Europe and across the globe. Framatome is proud to leverage its expertise in the fight against cancer and to help facilitate mass access to nuclear medicine.”
According to Cosmin Ghita, 2025 is significant for SNN in terms of project development. “We are in line with our established calendar and every agreement is destined to take both the unit 1 refurbishment and the IRIS Project one step further towards completion,” he noted.
