North American firms win deal to build US$7.4bn nuclear reactors in Romania

Cernavoda project part of drive to reduce reliance on fossil fuels

A consortium of North American companies has won a contract to build two new nuclear reactors in Romania, in a deal worth an estimated US$7.4 billion.

The project, which is part of Romania's drive to reduce its reliance on fossil fuels, will see the construction of two CANDU 6 nuclear reactors at the Cernavoda site, in the south-eastern part of the country.

The contract was awarded to a consortium led by Canadian nuclear company SNC-Lavalin, and also includes US-based Westinghouse Electric Company and Romaninan firm Nuclearelectrica.

Project to create thousands of jobs

The construction of the new reactors is expected to create thousands of jobs, and will also provide a significant boost to the Romanian economy.

The project is part of Romania's long-term energy strategy, which aims to increase the country's use of nuclear power to 30% by 2030.

Romania currently has two operational nuclear reactors at the Cernavoda site, which provide around 20% of the country's electricity.

Nuclear power seen as key to reducing emissions

Nuclear power is seen as a key part of the global effort to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, as it does not produce any carbon dioxide.

However, the construction of new nuclear reactors is often met with opposition from environmental groups, who raise concerns about the safety of nuclear power and the long-term disposal of radioactive waste.