Nuclearelectrica has sent a notification to the Bucharest Stock Exchange defending the small modular reactors (SMR) project in Doicești and stating that it has „enormous potential” for the development of the Romanian nuclear industry.
The document represents, in essence, the company’s response to statements made by Prime Minister Ilie Bolojan, who stated that the project has already consumed over 240 million dollars and that Romania risks ending up „with land and some papers.”
The state-owned company, however, asserts that the project is still ongoing and is in a pre-execution phase, forming part of Romania's energy and nuclear strategy.
In the document submitted to the BVB, Nuclearelectrica specifies that the SMR project in Doicești is in the "pre-EPC" stage, which involves preparatory activities for the actual construction of the reactors.
According to the company, this phase includes geotechnical investigations on site, continuation of the licensing process, negotiation of contracts for materials and equipment, as well as defining supply chains.
The company recalls that in February 2026, the shareholders approved the Final Investment Decision (FID), but with a series of additional conditions related to institutional support and cooperation among the project partners.
"The specialist teams of RoPower and SNN are currently working to meet these conditions," the document sent to the Exchange states.
The reaction comes after Bolojan's harsh criticisms
Nuclearelectrica's position comes a day after Ilie Bolojan cited the SMR project in Doicești as an example of a risky and possibly inefficient investment.
"Do you know how much Nuclearelectrica has spent there? Over 240 million dollars, and we will end up with land and we will end up with some papers. The question is: is it worth it?" Bolojan said.
The statement was made in a broader context related to investments in energy and the need to reduce waste in state-owned companies.
The company invokes EU support and interest in SMR technology
Nuclearelectrica argues that small modular reactors are considered an important solution for energy security and decarbonization at the European level. The company states that the Doicești project could become a "benchmark project" for other similar developments in the region and that SMR technology is supported, including by the European Industrial Alliance for SMRs.
According to the document, the project is designed to complement renewable energy and provide flexibility to the Romanian energy system.
The company conveys that interest in SMR technology is growing in Europe, where small modular reactors are seen as an important component of the future energy mix.
"The Doicești SMR project presents enormous potential for the development of the Romanian nuclear industry, Nuclearelectrica, the supply chain, the associated educational system, and attracting investments," the company states.
Project started in 2019, with American partnership
The SMR program was initiated in 2019, and the Doicești project was officially launched in 2022, following the selection of technology developed by the American company NuScale Power and the site in Dâmbovița County.
Currently, the project is being developed through the company RoPower Nuclear, where Nuclearelectrica holds 50% of the shares.
The company states that in 2023 and 2024, the preliminary technical stages FEED 1 and FEED 2 were completed, as well as independent evaluations by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), confirming the viability of the site.
Nuclearelectrica also asserts that the project will continue "with respect for the principle of using the approved and already allocated funds efficiently."