Refurbishment of Unit 1
Refurbishment of Unit 1 – Powering 1 million homes in Romania
Nuclearelectrica plays a major role in ensuring Romania’s energy security through stable and reliable low-carbon energy production.
Romania’s nuclear program for building a clean future includes strategic investments aimed at maintaining and increasing production capacity, thereby contributing to the energy transition and achieving Romania’s decarbonization goals.
Through the refurbishment of Unit 1 of the Cernavodă Nuclear Power Plant, Romania is strengthening its energy security, and Nuclearelectrica will continue to ensure 20% of the national electricity supply.
Unit 1 of the Cernavodă Nuclear Power Plant was commissioned in 1996 and marked the beginning and development of Romania’s operational nuclear program. Generations of specialists in the Romanian nuclear industry, mentors of today’s generations, were trained and gained experience by building and operating Unit 1.
From 1996 to present, the operation of Unit 1 has avoided 145 million tons of CO2 emissions and has safely delivered over 149 million MWh, with a capacity factor of over 90%. Romania ranks first internationally in terms of capacity factor since the plant’s commissioning.
Unit 1 also served as the benchmark for Unit 2, and together they rank Romania on the first place in terms of capacity factor — a position Romania still holds today, even Unit 1 is close to the end of its first life cycle.
Precision in action. Efficiency in managing financial and human resources. Nuclear safety as an absolute priority.
The refurbishment of Unit 1 is a pillar of national energy security. Refurbishment means investment, modernized infrastructure, and a real contribution to Romania’s prosperity.
The project is a mechanism with interconnected elements. Its effective operation requires the best expertise, enhanced focus and agile decision-making.
The refurbishment is a commitment by nuclear industry professionals to deliver a modern, efficient, and safe Unit 1, which will supply 10% of Romania’s energy needs for another 30 years.
It is a promise of energy stability, of a clean and sustainable future.
Fact Sheet
History & Performance of Unit 1 at CNE Cernavodă (1996–2025)
- Commissioned in 1996
- 149 million MWh produced (December 2025)
- Contribution: ~9% of annual national consumption
- 145 million tons of CO₂ avoided (2025)
- For many years in a row, it has been among the top 3 reactors in the world in terms of capacity factor (current CF: over 90%)
Objectives
- Extending the life of Unit 1 by another 30 years, starting in 2030
- Safe and cost-effective operation of Unit 1 for another 30 years
- Maintaining the supply chain for products and services in accordance with quality standards specific to the nuclear industry
Benefits
- 5 million MWh/year of clean, safe, stable, and affordable energy
- 5 million tons of CO₂ avoided per year
- Creation and maintaining of jobs for the next 30 years
- Development of expertise and increase the number of specialists dedicated to the project
Project Phases
Phase 1 – Defining the project’s scope (December 2017 – February 2022): completed, with the Final Investment Decision approved on February 23, 2022, based on the Feasibility Study
Phase 2 – Preparation for implementation (2024–2027) – currently underway
Main activities: engineering, procurement, Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) contract, permits & approvals, licensing, EC opinion, financing, planning, infrastructure construction
Milestones – Phase 2
- June 11, 2024: signing of the framework agreement with Canadian Nuclear Partners S.A. for PMO services
- December 19, 2024: signing of the EPC contract between SNN and the international consortium (Candu Energy Inc./AtkinsRéalis, Ansaldo Nucleare, Canadian Commercial Corporation, KHNP)
- August 20, 2025: signing of the turbogenerator refurbishment contract with Arabelle Solutions
- August 8, 2025: start of works on the infrastructure required for the project
- September 3, 2025: groundbreaking ceremony for construction
- Completion: 2027
Phase 3 – Actual implementation of the modernization works for Unit 1 (2027–2030)