Brussels, June 4, 2024 - The Romanian Atomic Forum Romatom participated in the first General Assembly of the European Industrial Alliance for small modular reactors (SMR), organized by the European Commission in Brussels between 29 and 30.The event has gathered over 300 delegates representing 277 members, confirming the powerful interest and commitment of the European Community for the development of SMR technology and nuclear energy as an essential part of the sustainable energy mix.
Representing the Romanian Nuclear Industry Association of which over 60 members belong, Romatom was represented at the event by Gianni VILLABRUNA - Member of the Board of Directors of Romatom.Gianni Villabruna stressed the importance of collaboration between all actors employed in the development and implementation of SMRs in Europe."Participation in the first General Assembly of the Alliance marks a significant step for Romatom and Romania in the European and global decarbonization efforts.It is essential to consider various perspectives and to ensure that we remain transparent, open and inclusive in all our debates.Romatom actively supports the development and promotion of Romanian (small modular modular reactors that are based on the technology of pressurized water reactors) and Alfred (Advanced Lead Fast Reactor Reactor, which is based on the technology of rapid lead reactors).", The Afirmat Gianni Vulbruna.
Invited to the event as a representative of the European high -level industry, Cosmin Ghiță, CEO nuclearelectrica, spoke with European officials and representatives of the industry. "I trust the strategic development of SMR technology and nuclear projects that use this technology. The harmonization of regulations and technological standardization will reduce the costs for a safe and potential technology to produce clean and long -term competitive energy.around the technology of small modular reactors, ”said Cosmin Ghiță, CEO of nuclearelectrica.
Also, Melania AMUZA, CEO of RoPower - The project company for the development of small modular reactors in Romania - said: "It is indispensable for the projects that are already in development and are based on SMR technology to act in a common strategic framework and to represent a catalyst and potentitor for new projects of the same type.The next few years are crucial for creating a solid industrial foundation to support SMR energy projects in Europe.As a developer and promoter of one of the most advanced projects of its type in the European Union, we rely on the familiar formation of some industrial-technological hub centers, including in Romania"Said Melania Fun, CEO of Ropower Nuclear, developer for the SMR project in Doicești.
„Around the existing nucleus of expertise and preparation in the nuclear industry we must form new production chains, on each level relevant to a SMR project.From manufacturing and assembly, to construction, maintenance and obviously the training of highly qualified personnel"He continued.
Ratten (Autonomous Director of Nuclear Energy Technologies) was represented at the first General Assembly by the Mr. Sorin Apostoliceanu, Director economic of the director. "In its capacity as a technical support organization (TSO) for the nuclear field, RATE through its branches supports all SMR projects in Romania. In addition, said the Lord Marian-Cătălin Ducu, director for strategy and development, Ratten as an institution designated for the development of the Alfred reactor in Romania (nuclear reactor of the fourth generation), has attracted European funds worth 122 thousand.Euro Through the mechanism of the European Regional Development Fund (ERDR) in order to implement two strategic projects for carrying out the research, development, testing and qualification of LFR technology (Lead Coold Fast Reactor, or nuclear reactors with lipid neutrons.Along with Ansaldo Nuclear and Enea in Italy, as well as SCK-Cen in Belgium, with the support of Westinghouse Electric, Ratten has submitted to the European Industrial Alliance for small modular reactors (SMR) a project proposal for the Alfred reactor, which will be made on the Nuclear Platform of Regia, from Mioveni, Argeș ”.
So far, Romania is represented in the European Industrial Alliance for SMR by: Ministry of Energy, Nuclearelectrica, Ropower, Romatom, Walter Tosto WTB, Adkron Group (EMEA) SRL, RATE, Center of Technology and Engineering for Nuclear Projects Magurele (RATEN CITON), Electrocentrale București, Print House Advertising,,Alro, Atomterra, Polytechnic University of Bucharest, Local Heating Company Colterm, Black Sea Women in Nuclear Network.
Present at the event, European Commissioner Thierry Breton, responsible for the domestic market, stressed the importance of the supply chain, including access to a qualified workforce.Through the efforts of the Alliance and its members, important steps are made to become the first 100% continent decarbonized by 2050.
The following steps immediate after this General Assembly will include the elaboration of the technological maps of the Alliance and the Strategic Action Plan, as well as the launch of eight technical working groups, serving as a main tool in the implementation of SMR projects in Europe: Industrial Applications, Technology and R&D, Supply Chain, Skills, Public Engagement, Nuclear SafetyWaste Management, Financing.
The European industrial alliance for small modular reactors (SMRS) was created in the context of the European Green Pact, which follows 90% CO₂ emissions by 2040, using all available carbon emissions.It is expected that renewable energy, complemented by nuclear energy, will cover over 90% of EU electricity consumption in 2040.
