July 19 (SeeNews) - Nuclearelectrica, the operator of Romania's sole nuclear power plant (NPP) Cernavoda, said that it signed a memorandum of understanding with Moldova's state-owned energy trader Energocom to develop long-term cooperation in the energy sector and achieve common strategic objectives.
The partnership will have the companies figure out ways to ensure the delivery of energy from the planned future units of the Cernavoda NPP to Moldova. It will also support the development of human resource capabilities and skills in the field of nuclear energy.
"Units 3 and 4 of Cernavoda NPP will be a pillar for both Romania and Moldova's energy sectors, as well as for the decarbonisation of the countries. By putting into commercial operation two more CANDU reactors and the small modular reactors project, Nuclearelectrica can contribute with clean energy to Romania's energy security, and simultaneously support the Republic of Moldova and other countries in the region," said Cosmin Ghita, director general at Nuclearelectrica.
Ghita noted that in 2031, Romania will have an installed nuclear power capacity of 3262 MW, resulting from the operation of Units 1 to 4 at Cernavoda and the operation of small modular reactors, which represents about 33% market share and about 66% of the country's total clean energy output.
"Together with Energocom we can identify, early on, efficient support solutions with the common goal of reaching energy security, energy independence and consumer protection for Moldova as well," Ghita said.
Nuclearelectrica helped Energocom secure electricity supplies to Moldova last year amidst an eneregy crisis caused by the war in neighbouring Ukraine, said Victor Banzari, acting director of Energocom. "We aim to strengthen this partnership, to diversify energy sources and have stable energy sources," Banzari said.
The Cernavoda plant, located in southeastern Romania, is operating two reactors of 700 megawatts each, which meet roughly a fifth of the country's electricity needs. In March, Nuclearelectrica signed a memorandum of cooperation with Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation on a project for the addition of two units at the plant.
Nuclearelectrica shares traded 0.88% higher at 45.8 lei ($10.4/9.3 euro) by 1425 CET on Wednesday on the Bucharest Stock Exchange.
(1 euro=4.94283 lei)
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