Nuclearelectrica, in partnership with Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power (KHNP), starts the construction of the first Tritium Removal Facility in Europe

Bucharest, June 2, 2025

Nuclearelectrica (SNN), in partnership with Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power (KHNP), today poured the first concrete for the construction of the first Tritium Removal Facility in Europe, at CNE Cernavoda, in the presence of H.E. Mr. RIM Kasp-soo, ambassador of the Republic of Korea to Romania and other distinghushed guests.

Nuclearelectrica (SNN) and Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power (KHNP) have signed the Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) contract for the completion of the first CTRF in Europe at Cernavoda NPP in June 2023, starting today, after  pre-works, the actual construction of the CTRF.

The CTRF at CNE Cernavoda is based on an innovative Romanian technology, developed by the National Research and Development Institute for Cryogenic and Isotopic Technologies – ICSI Rm. Valcea and will be the third tritium removal facility in the world and the first in Europe, giving Romania the opportunity to become a European center for the production and export of tritium – the candidate fuel for future fusion reactors.

“Today we are making history in Cernavodă. Romania is becoming the first country in Europe to build a tritium removal facility using technology developed here at home by researchers at ICSI Râmnicu Vâlcea—an elite institute internationally recognized for clean, efficient, and sustainable solutions, a true center of excellence that I know very well from my time as Minister of Research. This achievement demonstrates that Europe’s energy future can be built in Romania, through the minds and work of Romanians. The Cernavodă project is proof of our strategic vision: we combine cutting-edge Romanian research with solid international partnerships – such as the one with Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power – to deliver solutions in the field of clean energy and environmental protection. Furthermore, this project positions Romania as a European center for the production and export of tritium, the candidate fuel for nuclear fusion reactors such as ITER. Tritium production adds to the integrated Romanian nuclear cycle, which we want to recover: from uranium mines to heavy water production, nuclear fuel, and nuclear energy production using CANDU technology in the four reactors at Cernavodă,” said Energy Minister Sebastian Burduja.

“Today is an important moment in Romania’s journey towards sustainable energy – the pouring of the first concrete for the Tritium Removal Facility at Cernavodă. This project represents not only technological progress, but also our commitment to a cleaner and safer environment. It is an innovative project, coordinated by expert teams, a project that puts Romania, once again, on the global map of nuclear industry development. The collaboration between Nuclearelectrica and KHNP exemplifies the power of international partnerships in achieving common goals. Together, we are setting a precedent for innovation and responsibility in the nuclear industry,” underlined Cosmin Ghita, CEO of Nuclearelectrica.

The  Tritium Removal Facility (CTRF) will remove tritium from the plant, which will lead to increased environmental protection, fully in line with Nuclearelectrica’s and Europe’s ESG objectives.

Romania also has the opportunity to develop its supply chain and become a center for the development and export of Romanian tritium removal technology and know-how, using local factories and workforce.

“Today’s First Concrete Pouring Ceremony for the Cernavoda Tritium Removal Facility marks a significant milestone, symbolizing the official commencement of structural works. Just as every structure relies on a strong and flawless foundation, we sincerely hope that the solid concrete poured today—free of cracks—will serve as the steadfast base upon which the tritium removal facility will be successfully constructed. KHNP remains fully committed to working in close cooperation with the SNN, as we have always done, to ensure the successful delivery of this project,” said dr. Whang Joo-ho, President and CEO of KHNP.

CTRF project, realized by ICSI Rm. Valcea, utilizes the most advanced technology, CTRF including the updated nuclear safety requirements for an industrial tritium removal facility, as established by CNCAN, the Romanian National Commission for the Control of Nuclear Activities.

Cernavoda’s Tritium Removal Facility will include several high-tech areas: liquid-phase isotope separation, cryogenic distillation and high vacuum operation.

The project completion period is estimated at 50 months and the tritium produced will be stored in safe and secure specialized containers, ready for further use.