The Romanian Atomic Forum (Romatom), the Nuclear Industry Association in Romania, took note of the approval of the European Commission (COM), based on the rules of the European Union (EU) regarding the state aid, the financing schemes for the two new units from the Nucleoelectrica Power Plant (CNE) Paks II in Hungaryof life of the reactors from Tihange 1, Doel 1 and Doel 2 in Belgium.In both cases, the Commises of the Euratom Treaty, art. 2 (c) regarding the EU's role in the development of nuclear energy, respectively the Treaty on the functioning of the European Union, art.194 (2) regarding the right of the Member States to choose their energy mix.
At the end of 2014, Hungary concluded a contract for engineering, procurement and construction (IPC) works for Making two new Vver-1200 nuclear units, V491, on the existing site at Paks.The decision regarding the implementation of the project is crucial in the context of preparing the replacement of the old Vver-440 nuclear units V213 (4 x 500 MW), which provides over 50% of the electricity requirement of the country and to be withdrawn from the operation between 2032-2037. In a first stage, the Commune analyzed by an extended procedure, without organizing the CPU,Finally, closing on November 17, 2016 the case of open infringement against Hungary.
In May 2015, Hungary notified the COM about the financing of the project through a loan granted by Russia, supported by an intergovernmental agreement concluded between the two countries.Romatom expressed his point of view on this case in February 2016.
The commitment of Hungary for nuclear energy reflects the ambitious registration target in the global commitments to reduce carbon emissions, the nuclear energy remaining an important part of the energy strategy of the neighboring country, with a 54% share in 2015, and will contribute 58% to the energy production of the country in 2050, after the withdrawal of the four nuclear units.In addition to the production of energy with reduced carbon emissions, renewables, with a 10% share today, will ensure in 2050 a total of 18% of the production of electricity
Also in September 2016, Belgian authorities have notified COM a set of measures on At the extension of the operating time of three nuclear reactors (Tihange 1, Doel 1 and 2 Doel) In order to evaluate them in accordance with the EU State Aid Norms.In 2014 and 2015, Belgium concluded two agreements with Engie-Electrabel and EDF Belgium, to extend the DOEL 1 and 2 Doel (held by Engie-electrabel) and Tihange (held by Engie-Electrabel, together with EDF Belgium), with a financial effort of about 1.3 billion € 1.3.
Nuclear energy in Belgium provides approx today.40% of the energy production, the extension of the life of the three nuclear reactors maintaining this share until the 2030s. At the moment Belgium does not consider the construction of new nuclere units, and by 2050 it will give up nuclear energy.In the future Belgium will focus on the development of renewables, from 21% in 2015 to 41% in 2050, with a significant increase in the use of hydrocarbons, from 34% in 2015 to 59% in 2050.
In both cases, after analyzes, public consultations and investigations, the com found that Hungary, respectively Belgium have shown that by the commitments and measures taken avoiding the energy market, approving the measures and the way of financing the projects mentioned under the European rules regarding the state aid as stated. The press releases of the commission from (1) March 6 a.c.For Paks II project in Hungary, respectively (2) the statement issued after about 10 days, On March 17, 2017, for the extension of the life of the reactors from Tihange 1, Doel 1 and Doel 2 from Belgium.
The nuclear industry in Romania, through the Romatom voice, appreciates the position of the European Commission towards the Nuclear projects in Hungary and Belgium as encouraging for the completion of other European nuclear projects, including units 3 and 4 from Cernavoda CNE, as well as the extension of the life to unit 1 on the same site.
Romania requires a major investment program that will replace the old production capacities, pollutants and low economic efficiency, in the context of decreasing the resources of classical fuels, maintaining a balanced energy mix through which the diversity and technological neutrality will play a significant role in achieving the EU goals - the national and regional security,carbon emissions and maintaining the price of energy at bearable levels for the population.Thus, nuclear energy in Romania with a share of about 18% today, would provide approx.31% in 2030, maintaining this weight by 2050, with the four nuclear reactors in Cernavoda, and unit 1 rethologized your time.The renewable sources will represent 46 -48% in the range 2030 -2050, compared to 36% in 2015 (including hydro).
Thus, the two new nuclear units in Cernavoda will contribute to the achievement of decaronization targets in a harmonious combination with renewable sources, ensuring energy security, increasing GDP at national level, economic growth at national and regional level, creating new jobs, conservation and transfer of the nuclear industry, reducing the knowledge specific to the nuclear industry.carbon dioxide with approx.12,000,000 tons Co2/year, which would otherwise occur by burning fossil fuels.
Currently, the 129 nuclear reactors, existing in 14 of the Member States, generate about 30% of the electricity produced at the European Union level, representing 50% of the electricity with low carbon emissions, at the EU level.
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About Romatom:
Romatom was set up on January 10, 2001, when 14 companies, with private or state capital, as well as two non-governmental associations, decided to set up the Romanian Atomic Forum.Currently, Romatom has over 30 members.
The association aims to promote the use for peaceful nuclear energy in Romania and to support the national nuclear program, as well as the coordination of all the activities assumed by the accession and participation of the Association in Foratom - the European Atomic Forum.At the same time, Romatom advocates for the protection and promotion of the interests of its members, representing the voice of the national nuclear industry, considering the technological and acquired know-how level, in order to fruiting them in practice. http://romatom.ro/
Sources:
http://europa.eu/rapid/press-release_IP-17-464_en.htm
http://europa.eu/rapid/press-release_IP-17-662_en.htm
http://www.world-nuclear-news.org/NP-Hungarys-nuclear-ambitions-for-climate-change-13121601.html
http://ec.europa.eu/energy/en/data-analysis/energy-modelling
https://ec.europa.eu/energy/sites/ener/files/documents/ref2016_report_final-web.pdf
