In a significant contract valued at C$64 million, SNC-Lavalin Group (TSX: SNC) subsidiary Candu Energy has been chosen to provide design and engineering services for a reactor at Nuclearelectrica’s Romanian nuclear facility.
The contract will span two and a half years, with SNC-Lavalin tasked with providing engineering and early procurement services for retubing work to replace certain components of the Unit CANDU reactor core, thus extending its operational life until 2060 at the Cernavoda Nuclear Generating Station.
The Unit 1 CANDU reactor currently contributes 10% of Romania’s electricity, without emissions.
SNC-Lavalin’s president and chief executive officer, Ian Edwards, emphasized that the contract will support Romania in reducing its greenhouse gas emissions.
He stated, “Europe is currently facing a significant energy crisis, necessitating a shift towards net zero electricity generation sources while maintaining energy supply. This project aligns with SNC-Lavalin’s net zero philosophy and our mission to engineer a better future for the planet and its inhabitants. Furthermore, it advances the refurbishment of the Cernavoda reactor, ensuring Romania’s energy security and helping reduce greenhouse gas emissions by over 10 million tons annually.”
SNC-Lavalin will oversee operations at the Cernavoda site, bringing in specialized personnel from its nuclear business to provide expertise in areas such as feeders, fuel channel design, and stress analysis to enhance project delivery.
The president of nuclear at SNC-Lavalin, Joe St Julian, noted this contract as a continuation of a longstanding relationship with Nuclearelectrica and Romania, spanning over 40 years.
He remarked, “As the steward and original equipment manufacturer of CANDU technology, our expertise in this reactor and successful retubing execution is unparalleled. Our CANDU technology will further support Romania’s prosperity by supplying emissions-free, reliable electricity for the economy for the next three decades, regardless of weather conditions or geopolitics.”
This contract win adds to SNC-Lavalin’s portfolio of projects at Cernavoda, including a previous contract for optimization work on the Unit 1 CANDU reactor in May.
Cosmin Ghiță, chief executive officer of Nuclearelectrica, outlined the company’s long-term strategy to provide 33% of Romania’s decarbonized power.
