Burduja: Nuclear energy will save lives in Romania

The letter of support for a European project in the field of nuclear energy, in which Romania also participates, was approved this week at the High-Level Forum for Important Projects of Common European Interest (IPCEI), announced on Friday, Energy Minister Sebastian Buduja.

‘Nuclear energy will save lives in Romania! Very good news for Romania, directly from Brussels! This week, at the High-Level Forum for Important Projects of Common European Interest (IPCEI), the letter of support for a European project in the field of nuclear energy, in which Romania also participates, was approved. This is the first time that an IPCEI dedicated to nuclear technologies is launched. Romania played an important role, being the coordinator of the theme related to the production of medical radioisotopes. These are used in the treatment and diagnosis of cancer and can be obtained by using nuclear power plants and research laboratories,’ Burduja wrote on his Facebook page.

He stressed that the decision of these days concludes a first stage of selection for five priority areas of the European nuclear industry, namely: nuclear energy production with innovative technologies, such as small modular reactors (SMR) and advanced reactors (AMR); uranium processing and nuclear fuel management; supply chain development and modernization of industrial facilities; progress in the field of nuclear fusion; production of medical radioisotopes, with an emphasis on research and innovation.

‘In Romania, the technology at the Cernavoda nuclear power plant allows the production of radioisotopes needed in advanced therapies for patients. Thus, we contribute to ensuring a safer supply chain in Europe and reduce dependence on imports. Moreover, Romania has already started a partnership with the French company Framatome to produce, from 2028, Lutetium-177 in Cernavoda – a radioisotope used in oncological treatments. I am convinced that this project and investments in research and technology will help to recognize the important role that nuclear energy can have beyond the energy sector,’ the Minister of Energy stated.

He added that Romania is also involved in the development of innovative nuclear technologies and mentioned strategic projects such as the SMR in Doicești, the Alfred project in Pitești (generation IV reactor, with lead cooling), initiatives for the development of the value chain and the nuclear fuel cycle, where Romania has experience and results.

‘Based on this important step, the 13 signatory states and the European Commission will start working on the next stage of the IPCEI project: choosing technologies, finding sources of financing, establishing the working method and selecting national partners. The goal is to have a concrete, viable project with a real impact for Europe and Romania by the end of next year,’ Sebastian Burduja added.