This project conducts an analysis of Romania’s nuclear energy ecosystem to assess the country’s ambitious expansion plans, including construction of two new CANDU units at Cernavoda, refurbishment of Unit 1, and development of the first NuScale Small Modular Reactor (SMR) project in Doicești. As nuclear energy gains renewed attention within Europe’s energy security and decarbonisation strategies, Romania has positioned itself as a regional leader in advanced nuclear deployment, requiring strategic assessment of enabling conditions for successful implementation.

The project addresses three critical dimensions of nuclear development through targeted analysis. First, it evaluates Romania’s legal, regulatory, and institutional frameworks at national, identifying barriers including skills shortages, R&D gaps, and financing mechanism inadequacies. Second, it examines industrial incentives by mapping demand-side opportunities for energy-intensive industries to benefit from new nuclear capacity, including SMR-based cogeneration, while assessing supply-side potential for leveraging Romanian expertise across the nuclear value chain. Third, it analyses prevailing public narratives, risk perceptions regarding safety and waste management, and disinformation impacts.

The work encompasses three complementary policy outputs: a detailed policy paper on regulatory frameworks, a policy brief on industrial strategy, and a policy brief on public communication approaches.

Alina Arsani

Head of Energy Systems Programme