Romanian PM Criticizes Doicesti SMR Project as Wasteful Investment
Romania’s interim Prime Minister Ilie Bolojan publicly criticized the Doicesti Small Modular Reactor (SMR) project, claiming over $240 million has been spent with little tangible progress, leaving only land and paperwork. State-owned Nuclearelectrica defended the project, emphasizing its potential for energy security and adherence to international standards. The controversy highlights tensions over resource allocation, feasibility risks, and the project’s role in Romania-U.S. strategic ties.
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Romanian Acting PM Renews Criticism of Nuclearelectrica-NuScale SMR Project, Citing Financial and Feasibility Risks
Romania's acting Prime Minister Ilie Bolojan has reiterated strong criticism of the small modular reactor (SMR) project being developed by state-owned Nuclearelectrica in partnership with US-based NuScale Power. In a TV interview, Bolojan warned that the investment carries major financial and feasibility risks, noting that Romania has already spent over USD 240 million on feasibility studies for technology that remains commercially untested. He stated the project could ultimately fail, leaving Romania with only an industrial site and paperwork. Bolojan's comments followed accusations from former PSD energy minister Bogdan Ivan that the criticism undermines bilateral relations with the United States. The acting PM rejected this, arguing concerns should be discussed openly with US partners. He highlighted that the project's own studies show the estimated electricity cost exceeds current market prices. Bolojan also revealed that Romanian authorities have informed the US Embassy in Bucharest about the risks, and the embassy has taken note. When asked about responsibility, Bolojan pointed to Nuclearelectrica's management, stating they should have ensured the project's viability. The SMR project has been promoted as a flagship strategic partnership between Romania and the US.
Romania InsiderRomanian Interim PM Criticizes Nuclearelectrica's SMR Project Viability
Romania’s interim Prime Minister Ilie Bolojan has publicly questioned the viability of the Small Modular Reactor (SMR) project at Doicești, developed by state-controlled Nuclearelectrica and private partner Nova Power and Gas using US-based NuScale technology. Bolojan warned that the state utility has already spent over USD 240 million on unproven technology, risking leaving the company with only land and paperwork. He argued that resources should instead focus on completing the third and fourth reactors at Cernavodă. In response, Nova Power and Gas defended its sale of the project site for EUR 24 million, citing independent valuations and infrastructure improvements. Nuclearelectrica maintained that the project is in the preliminary Stage 3, having completed mandatory FEED technical analyses. The controversy highlights concerns over the projected USD 6-7 billion financing plan and the reliance on equity issuance. While a final investment decision was made earlier this year, it primarily authorizes further preliminary steps rather than immediate construction, with the first module’s commercial operation targeted for July 2033.
Romania InsiderNuclearelectrica Defends Doicești SMR Project Potential Amid Political Criticism
Romanian state-owned nuclear company Nuclearelectrica has issued a formal statement defending the Doicești Small Modular Reactors (SMR) project, asserting its significant development potential for the national nuclear industry, supply chain, and educational system. This response follows critical remarks by Prime Minister Ilie Bolojan, who claimed the project had consumed over $240 million with little tangible result. In a document submitted to the Bucharest Stock Exchange, Nuclearelectrica clarified that the project is currently in the Pre-EPC stage, involving geotechnical investigations, licensing, and supply chain definition. The company highlighted that the Final Investment Decision (FID) was approved in February 2026 under specific conditions requiring cooperation between the company and government authorities. Nuclearelectrica emphasized that previous technical analysis stages (FEED 1 and 2) were completed on schedule and under budget, with International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) missions confirming the suitability of the site. The firm positions the SMR project as crucial for Romania's energy security, offering flexibility and complementarity to renewable resources, while reassuring stakeholders of its adherence to international nuclear standards and best practices.
Digi24Nuclearelectrica Defends Doicești SMR Project Potential Amid Political Criticism
Romanian state-owned nuclear company Nuclearelectrica has issued a statement defending the Doicești Small Modular Reactors (SMR) project, asserting its enormous development potential for the national nuclear industry, supply chain, and educational system. This response follows critical remarks by Prime Minister Ilie Bolojan, who claimed the project had consumed over $240 million with little tangible result. In a document submitted to the Bucharest Stock Exchange, Nuclearelectrica clarified that the project is currently in the Pre-EPC stage, involving geotechnical investigations, licensing, and contract negotiations. The company highlighted that the Final Investment Decision (FID) was approved in February 2026 under specific conditions requiring cooperation between the company and government authorities. Nuclearelectrica emphasized that previous technical analysis stages (FEED 1 and FEED 2) were completed on schedule and under budget, with IAEA missions confirming the validity of their approach. The firm positions the SMR project as a crucial infrastructure asset for Romania's energy security, offering flexibility and complementarity to renewable resources, while adhering to international nuclear standards and best practices.
Digi24Romanian PM Criticizes Doicesti SMR Project as Wasted Investment
Interim Prime Minister Ilie Bolojan criticized the management of state resources, citing the Small Modular Reactor (SMR) project in Doicesti as a prime example of poor administration. Speaking to Hotnews, Bolojan revealed that the project has already consumed over 240 million dollars, yet the state is left with only land and paperwork rather than functional energy infrastructure. He argued that such poorly concluded projects fail to benefit citizens by reducing energy prices or improving services. Bolojan emphasized that blocking access to energy networks allows speculation rather than fostering competition and lower costs. He contrasted this with well-administered sectors where efficient investments directly improve citizens' lives. Despite his criticism, Nuclearelectrica SA had previously granted final approval for the Doicesti SMR project in February, aiming for operational status by the early next decade. The Prime Minister's comments highlight broader concerns about thoughtless public spending, such as building unused facilities in shrinking communities, which become financial burdens rather than assets. This statement underscores the government's intent to audit and rectify inefficient state expenditures in the energy sector.
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