RoPower Nuclear in Romania has selected Core Management System 5 (CMS5) developed by Sweden’s Studsvik as their methodology to support Romania’s first SMR project. Romania plans to build a SMR Power Plant using six, 77 MWe NuScale Power modules. Using CMS5, RoPower will be equipped to perform the design evaluation and verification of the SMR plant’s core and operational safety.
RoPower Nuclear, established in 2022, is the project company developing Romania’s first SMR power plant, located in Doicesti, Dambovita County. RoPower is equally owned by Romanian nuclear utility Nuclearelectrica SA and Nova Power & Gas, part of the E-Infra group. The Doicesti project involves the construction of a modular nuclear plant with an installed capacity of 462 MWe, on the site of the former coal-fired power plant in the locality.
NuScale Power, US-based Fluor Corporation and South Korea’s Samsung C&T are involved in the Front-End Engineering Design (FEED) phases of the Doicesti project, which is currently in its second phase of design, engineering, and planning (FEED 2), the main contractor being Fluor Corporation. The final investment decision is expected in 2026.
“We are proud to contribute our proven software tools to this pioneering project,” said Art Wharton, President of the Studsvik Scandpower Group. “Romania is setting a precedent for the next generation of nuclear power, and we are honoured to be part of that effort.” However, the order is not expected to have a financial impact that will significantly affects Studsvik Group results during 2025.
“Nuclear calculation codes are primarily used to simulate and analyse nuclear fuel and reactor safety,” said RoPower Nuclear Technical Director Dan Serbanescu. “We sought an established solution on the market, offered by a company with proven experience in projects applicable to NPPs using the pressurised water reactor (PWR) principle. Studsvik Scandpower met our expectations precisely.”
He added: “The SMR plant at Doicesti will largely operate on the same technological principles as over 300 other nuclear plants worldwide, with the addition of new safety systems to ensure a high level of nuclear security and economic efficiency. It’s important to note that SMR technology is not entirely new, especially regarding the use of nuclear fuel. It’s a proven technology, backed by nearly half a century of operational experience. That’s why we are working with teams and companies with impeccable reputations in the nuclear field.
