Romania ranks among the countries with the most advanced civil nuclear programs in the world after the construction of the first tritium removal facility in Europe began on Monday at at the Cernavoda Nuclear Power Plant, Energy Minister Sebastian Burduja announced.

'Today, at Cernavoda, the most important moment in the history of the Romanian nuclear sector in recent decades, since the commissioning of reactor 2, has taken place: the construction of the first tritium removal facility in Europe has started. It is the first in Europe and only the third in the world, after Canada and South Korea. Tritium is a candidate fuel for future nuclear fusion reactors, and the project positions Romania among the countries with the most advanced civil nuclear programs in the world,' Burduja wrote on his Facebook page.

The Cernavoda Tritium Removal Facility (CTRF) developed by Nuclearelectrica, in partnership with Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power (KHNP), one of the most important companies in this field at global level, is based on a technology developed in Romania by the National R&D Institute for Cryogenic and Isotopic Technologies - ICSI Ramnicu Valcea.

According to the relevant minister, the facility targets the tritium in the heavy water systems (coolant and moderator systems) of the reactors, allowing the reuse of heavy water. The recovered tritium will be safely stored and can be used for future fusion reactors. This project is fundamental for reducing the impact of tritium on the environment and for increasing the operational efficiency of the Cernavoda Nuclear Power Plant, said Sebastian Burduja.

'Through this project, Romania will join the select club of countries capable of producing and exporting tritium - the fuel of the future for nuclear fusion reactors, such as those developed under the ITER international project. Given that nuclear energy is increasingly becoming the most feasible long-term solution, the opportunities are immense - both economically and in terms of international reputation,' the minister showed.

The project is expected to be completed in 50 months and will meet the most advanced nuclear safety requirements. EUR 145 million of the estimated cost of the project comes from a loan from the European Investment Bank (EIB).

'Romania sjows that it can deliver major projects, developed locally and supported by international partnerships. We have the capacity to be not only an energy producer but also an exporter of technology and resources for the energy sector. Not many countries can boast such potential, which we are already capitalizing on. I thank all those who made this project possible and especially to the Nuclearelectrica team. This company makes us proud and consistently delivers performance. Romania assumes its role as a leader in the regional and global energy sector, with responsibility, courage and vision,' the Energy minister added.

In a separate press release, Nuclearelectrica recalled that in June 2023 it signed the Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) contract for the completion of Europe's first Tritium Removal Facility at Cernavoda NPP with Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power (KHNP).

'Today is an important moment in Romania's journey towards sustainable energy - the laying of the first concrete layer for the Cernavoda Tritium Removal Facility. This project represents not only technological progress, but also our commitment to a cleaner and safer environment. It is an innovative project, coordinated by teams of experts, a project that puts Romania, once again, on the global map of nuclear industry development. The collaboration between Nuclearelectrica and KHNP exemplifies the power of international partnerships in achieving common goals. Together, we are setting a precedent in terms of innovation and responsibility in the nuclear industry,' emphasized Nuclearelectrica CEO Cosmin Ghita, in the press release.

The Cernavoda Tritium Removal Facility will include several high-tech areas: liquid-phase isotope separation, cryogenic distillation and high vacuum operation. AGERPRES (RO - writing by: Andreea Marinescu; EN - writing by: Simona Iacob)