Nuclearelectrica and the European Investment Bank (EIB) have signed a loan agreement of 145 million Euro to support the completion of Europe’s first Tritium Removal Facility (CTRF) at Cernavoda Nuclear Power Plant (Cernavoda NPP). The CTRF will remove the tritium from reactor’s coolant and moderator (heavy water), leading to increased protection of the environment, public and employees’ occupational health and safety, in full alignment with Nuclearelectrica’s and Europe’s ESG objectives.

The project will enhance radiation safety of the power plant, further reduce the volume of radioactive wastes, prioritising the well-being of the workers and allowing for the coolant and moderator (heavy water) to be re-used, after tritium removal. Successful completion of the project will allow for regular maintenance, refurbishments, and eventually decommissioning to be undertaken more easily, safely and efficiently.

Cosmin Ghiță, Chief Executive Officer of Nuclearelectrica, said: “This project is part of our investment plan that will bring the developments in the nuclear sector in line with national energy policy, as outlined by the government. Using a Romanian innovative technology, developed by the Romanian National Research and Development Institute for Cryogenic and Isotopic Separation Technologies (ICSI Rm. Valcea), Cernavoda Tritium Removal Facility (CTRF) will be the world’s third and Europe’s first Tritium Removal Facility and will give Romania the opportunity to become a European hub for tritium production and export – the fuel candidate of future clean fusion reactors. We are happy to implement a Romanian innovative technology, based on years of research and development, a true statement of Romania’s leadership in nuclear industry.”

“The EIB is financing sustainable energy projects worldwide and we are glad to support this project with health, safety and circular economy benefits undertaken by an experienced promoter.” said EIB Vice-President Kyriacos Kakouris.