During the ongoing COP27 Conference in Egypt, Nuclearelectrica’s SMR project company, RoPower and Donalam SRL (part of AFV Beltrame Group) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the deployment of Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) in Romania and joined the UN Coalition for 24/7 Carbon-Free Energy.
The goal of the MoU is to explore cooperation and investment opportunities in support of the development of the first SMR project in Romania, which could have a great impact also in achieving the production of green steel in Romania.
“We are fully dedicated to accomplishing our vision for a sustainable business and to turning into reality our ambitious investment plans for our operations in Romania – the plants in Călărași and Târgoviște and at Group level sustainability is a priority,” said Carlo Beltrame, CEO Romania & France and Business Development Manager of the AFV Beltrame Group. “Energy security has lately become a topic of great relevance. Our plan to build, in the near future, the photovoltaic park in Târgoviște as well as the partnership with RoPower, are two of the solutions for ensuring our access to affordable and sustainable energy in the long run.”
Growing the UN Coalition for 24/7 Carbon-Free Energy
On the same occasion, both companies have also joined the United Nations 24/7 Carbon Free Energy Compact (CEC), committing to the UN 24/7 principles which support the UN’s goal to accelerate electricity systems, mitigate climate change and ensure access to clean affordable energy.
By joining the UN’s 24/7 Carbon-free Energy Compact, Nuclearelectrica and AFV Beltrame become members of a global community of organisations working together to develop solutions that enable access to 24/7 carbon-free energy.
“We are proud to make this announcement during United Nations Conference on Climate Change (COP27) to promote the importance of industrial sustainable partnerships with a major beneficial impact on reducing carbon footprint”, said Cosmin Ghita, CEO of Nuclearelectrica and President of the Board RoPower Nuclear. “We trust our example showcases ways to advance the Paris Agreement targets, inspires further industry actions, encourages global and European environmental policies and both governmental and private financing support for industrial companies with strong economic and environmental strategies derived from a sustainable approach.”
“Moreover, as our vision to create a sustainable future for the next generations is fully aligned with the principles of the United Nations 24/7 Carbon Free Energy Compact, we are proud to join the Coalition and further support Romania’s electricity system decarbonisation with the deployment of carbon-free nuclear energy technologies, both small and large scale,” he added.
A recent report published by United Nations on Emissions Gap in 2022 showed that current policies are not sufficient to reach Paris Agreement targets. Nuclear energy is needed to ensure an effective and sustainable decrease in emissions.
According to the press release, Romania’s aim to achieve the first green steel facility with the support of clean energy produced by SMRs and photovoltaic panels could encourage increased action and similar collaborations within the industry.
