Small Modular Reactors in Romania’s Energy Future. Two Essential Perspectives: Capital Costs and Public Perception

Abstract

Abstract In 2023, during the annual United Nations Conference on Climate Change (COP28), Romania joined the Net Zero Nuclear Initiative and the Ministerial Declaration for the tripling of nuclear capacity by 2050, which recognizes the key role of nuclear energy in achieving net zero goals worldwide. In this context, wanted to implement national projects and strategies to achieve the global goal of tripling nuclear power generation capacity by 2050 (taking 2030 as a reference) and to act to ensure that nuclear power plants are operated in security conditions. This paper examines the potential of Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) in Romania's energy landscape, considering the country's recent commitment to the Net Zero Nuclear Initiative and the goal of tripling nuclear capacity by 2050. The focus is on integrating new nuclear technologies, particularly SMRs, and modernizing existing facilities like the Cernavodă Power Plant. The study also explores the economic benefits, public perception challenges, and the role of European and American expertise in advancing SMR technology. For the first time, using specialized literature and data from public sources, the study aims to analyze the prospects for SMR projects developed in Romania to overcome two essential perspectives: capital costs and public perception in many communities where concerns related to nuclear safety, radioactive waste management, and potential risks associated with nuclear technologies exist.