Final Investment Decision Approved for Six NuScale SMRs in Romania

Romania's plan for a 460 MW small modular nuclear reactor plant would cost up to $7 billion

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

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The shareholders of Romanian nuclear operator Nuclearelectrica have approved the Final Investment Decision for the small modular reactor project in Doicesti, Romania. The project calls for 462 MWe installed capacity, using NuScale technology with six 77 MW modules at the former coal plant site at Doicesti. The proposed timeline for the first module to be in commercial operation is 2033.

Why it matters

Romania's commitment to large PHWRs means one or more of the six SMRs could be targeted at power market segments that include data centers, large industrial users, and other customers that need 24X7/365 reliable power. The U.S. government commitment covers about $4 billion of the expected $7 billion in project costs.

The details

The partnership between the USA and Romania on SMRs began in 2019. NuScale and Nuclearelectrica signed a teaming agreement in 2021 to deploy a NuScale VOYGR-6 power plant in Romania by the end of the decade. The FEED 2 study completed in late 2023 provided the design and engineering services required for the implementation of the project, including an updated cost estimate and schedule as well as the safety and security analyses needed for the final investment decision.

  • In March 2019, Nuclearelectrica and NuScale signed a memorandum of understanding to study potential developments.
  • In 2021, NuScale and Nuclearelectrica signed a teaming agreement to deploy a NuScale VOYGR-6 power plant in Romania by the end of the decade.
  • In June 2022, the two companies signed a memorandum of understanding to begin conducting engineering studies, technical reviews, and licensing and permitting activities for the project.
  • In late 2023, NuScale Power and RoPower Nuclear completed Phase 2 of the Front-End Engineering and Design (FEED) study.
  • In 2026, the shareholders of Nuclearelectrica approved the Final Investment Decision for the small modular reactor project in Doicesti.

The players

Nuclearelectrica

The state-owned nuclear power corporation of Romania.

NuScale Power

An American autonomous driving company and is a subsidiary of Alphabet Inc., Google's parent company.

RoPower Nuclear

A company owned jointly by Nuclearelectrica and Nova Power & Gas, which is part of E-INFRA, that will be responsible for the implementation of the project.

Bogdan Ivan

Romania's Minister of Energy.

Ilie Bolojan

The Prime Minister of Romania.

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What they’re saying

“The Final Investment Decision for the SMR project in Doicesti marks the transition from the analysis phase to the implementation phase, consolidating Romania's position at the forefront of the new European nuclear industry. We are replacing 600 MW from a former thermal power plant with 462 MW of clean, stable, and predictable energy.”

— Bogdan Ivan, Romania's Minister of Energy (NationalToday.com)

“The investment will be made once a funding formula will be found. Given the very large amount of money, the complexity of such projects and the technology being in early days, I estimate we will not see the investment immediately.”

— Ilie Bolojan, Romanian Prime Minister (NationalToday.com)

What’s next

The construction of the other five SMR units will depend on potential additional commitments from Romanian utilities, support from the government, U.S. export financing, and private investors.

The takeaway

This project highlights Romania's commitment to diversifying its energy mix and reducing its reliance on fossil fuels, while also positioning the country as a leader in the emerging European small modular reactor market. The involvement of the U.S. government and the use of proven NuScale technology are key factors that could help make this project a success.