Romanian utility Nuclearelectrica has revealed that, on May 6, 2007, unit two of its Cernavoda nuclear power plant achieved first criticality.
The existing Cernavoda plant is the only nuclear facility in Romania and produces between 10% and 12% of the country’s electricity. The plant uses CANDU reactor technology, which is comprised of a pressurized heavy water reactor (PHWR).
Unit one of the Cernavoda plant produces 705.6MW of electricity and was finished in 1996. Nuclearelectrica said that, before the power levels of unit two’s CANDU 6 reactor are increased, its main components and operating systems will be submitted to a series of low power tests.
Unit two of the power plant was constructed through a joint venture between Canadian company Atomic Energy of Canada Limited and Italian firm Ansaldo. Nuclearelectrica said that the agreement was signed in 2003 and that commercial operation of the 655MW unit is expected to begin in September 2007.
The Romanian utility said that the beginning of Cernavoda unit two’s commercial operation will mark an important contribution to the security of Romania and the EU’s energy supplies. Nuclearelectrica said that the unit would also save expense imports of primary resources from outside of Europe.
According to Nuclearelectrica, the two Cernavoda units will cover almost 18% of Romania’s total energy production and will contribute to the significant reduction of greenhouse gas emissions by producing clean and environmentally friendly power to Romania.
Industry publication Platts has reported that units three and four of the Cernavoda nuclear plant are currently being constructed.