Romania is becoming a European leader in next-generation nuclear technology following the investment decision for the SMR project at Doicesti, Valentin-Ovidiu Nae, CEO of RoPower Nuclear, said.
"Today we are not merely talking about an investment, but about a strategic decision for the next 60 years of clean energy in Romania. The adoption of the Final Investment Decision confirms that the project is ready to enter a new phase. RoPower has fulfilled its technical and economic assessment mandate objectively and responsibly. The journey does not end here - this is only the beginning. The foundation of our activity remains unchanged: Nuclear Safety, Technical Rigour and National Interest. As the first SMR project developed in Europe, we assume both the specific challenges of a First-of-a-Kind project and the opportunity to build this expertise in the region. We are already seeing interest from other teams and states following Romania's experience in this field," the CEO of RoPower Nuclear was quoted as saying in a company statement.
RoPower Nuclear announced the adoption of the Final Investment Decision (FID), approved at the General Meeting of Shareholders of RoPower Nuclear on 13 February 2026, in line with the approval granted by the General Meeting of Shareholders of Nuclearelectrica on 12 February, for the small modular reactor (SMR) project at Doicesti. The decision follows the completion of the technical and economic evaluation carried out in accordance with Government Decision 907/2016.
"The Feasibility Study provided the basis for an objective, rigorous and responsible analysis, offering the necessary foundation for a sound decision on the continuation of the project. The assessments conducted by Romanian and international professionals resulted in clear conditions to ensure proper control of all potential risks associated with a project of this scale. These conditions are strictly aligned with national and international licensing requirements and guarantee the maintenance of the highest nuclear safety standards," reads the statement.
The Doicesti SMR project, based on NuScale's VOYGR technology, is located on the site of a former coal-fired power plant and contributes to a just transition, the decarbonisation of the energy system and the strengthening of Romania's energy security, in strategic partnership with the United States.
The project involves the construction of a modular nuclear power plant with an installed capacity of 462 MWe on the site of the former coal-fired power station in Doicesti. The new plant will use NuScale Power technology, deploying six small modular reactors, each with an installed capacity of 77 MW. The electricity generated by the Doicesti plant will support the green transition while ensuring the stability of the National Energy System, combining zero CO2 emissions with baseload energy supply, regardless of weather conditions or time of day.
The adoption of the FID marks the transition to the implementation phase, in strict compliance with the regulatory framework and the standards of excellence established by Romania's nuclear industry.
RoPower Nuclear is the project company dedicated to developing Romania's first small modular reactor (SMR) power plant at Doicesti, Dambovita County. Founded in 2022, RoPower is equally owned by Nuclearelectrica SA, Romania's national nuclear energy company, and Nova Power & Gas, part of the E-Infra group. RoPower Nuclear works with leading international partners, including NuScale Power, Fluor Corporation and Samsung C&T.
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