May 12, 2023, 4:00 pm
Good afternoon,
Prime Minister Ciuca,
Rector Costoiu,
Minister Popescu,
Cosmin, [SNN CEO Cosmin Ghita]
John, [NuScale CEO John Hopkins]
Ann, [PDAS Ann Ganzer]
Friends, Guests,
Ladies and Gentlemen.
What a great pleasure and honor it is join you at this opening of the E2 Center at the Politehnica University of Bucharest.
Today marks a historic moment for Romania, a new benchmark in our bilateral Strategic Partnership, and an incredible step forward in civilian nuclear technology.
Our strategic partnership with Romania was greatly strengthened by the Intergovernmental Agreement signed in late 2020.
This agreement paved the way for the deployment of NuScale’s VOYGR, 6-module, 462-megawatt, power plant in Doicesti. With a projected opening date of 2029, this will be Europe’s first SMR – a Small Modular Reactor plant — and a milestone for clean energy innovation.
This center we just toured will become a hub of activity for students focused on future careers in the civilian nuclear power industry. How fortunate you are to have this phenomenal resource during your studies and training.
The SMR simulator we are inaugurating today is a result of strong and successful cooperation among Nuclearelectrica, the Ministry of Energy, the U.S. Department of State, the U.S. Department of Energy, NuScale Power, and others.
I thank all the people and parties involved for their vision, commitment, and support for this project and to bringing us to this point.
The SMR simulator is an innovative learning environment that offers users a hands-on opportunity to apply nuclear science and engineering principles through simulated, real-world nuclear power plant operation scenarios.
The simulator employs state-of-the-art computer modeling within a replica of the NuScale SMR power plant control room. Users will have the opportunity to take on the role of “control room operator” at a 12-unit SMR plant and learn about the revolutionary safety and smarter features unique to NuScale’s technology.
It is wonderful for to see Romania utilizing cutting-edge U.S. nuclear technology, which is one more indicator of how far our partnership has come.
The SMR simulator will be a valuable tool for both students and professionals alike as we prepare for the construction and operation of the SMR plant in Doicesti. The simulator will also help Romania become a hub for SMR technology in the region and far beyond, as well as a base for supporting the operating of this new technology in other countries.
The E2 Center also showcases our shared commitment to advancing nuclear energy as a safe, reliable, and carbon-free source of electricity.
Nuclear energy is essential for meeting our climate goals and ensuring our energy security. SMRs offer a flexible, scalable, and cost-effective solution that can complement renewable sources and provide clean power to remote areas.
I know that this E2 Center will inspire and educate the next generation of nuclear experts, technologists, and operators in Romania and beyond.
I encourage everyone to visit the center and experience it for yourselves. It is amazing! I hope you will enjoy this unique opportunity and learn more about the benefits that SMRs bring to us all.
