ROMATOM: the two units of the Cernavoda nuclear-power plant covers nearly 18 percent of the total electricity consumption in Romania
The nuclear energy generated by the two units of the Cernavoda nuclear-power plant covers nearly 18 percent of the total electricity consumption in Romania, contributing to a cut in carbon dioxide emissions by nearly 12 million tonnes/year that would have otherwise been generated by burning fossil fuels, the Romanian Atomic Forum (ROMATOM) reports.
In Romania, ROMATOM says, greenhouse emissions have the highest weight in the energy sector (34 percent), which means nearly three times the European Union average.
"Doubling the nuclear capacity of the Cernavoda nuclear-power plant by two new CANDU6 reactors will substantially contribute, along with renewable energy and other low-carbon emissions, to reaching and preserving the decarbonisation targets as part of the future long-term development of Romania and an increase in energy security at national and regional levels," says ROMATOM.
ROMATOM statements comes in response to statements by Chairman of the National Energy Regulatory Authority (ANRE) Nicolae Havrilet that nuclear power is very dangerous and very expensive, arguing that Havrilet's statements are discriminatory and incorrect.
ROMATOM also says the Cernavoda nuclear-power plant has 53 business authorisations issued by various national and local authorities, underscoring that the nuclear industry is subjected to nuclear safety inspections and reviews conducted by international bodies such as the International Atomic Energy Agency, EURATOM and the World Association of Nuclear Operators (WANO).
About the claim that nuclear power is very expensive, ROMATOM says nuclear power is the source ANRE uses to make up the energy basket for the regulated segments of the market to keep energy prices stable for final users, because nuclear power is inexpensive.
ROMATOM was established on January 10, 2001, when 14 privately and government-run companies and two NGOs decided to set up the organisation. ROMATOC currently has more than 30 members.