Romanian Econ Min Deems Mioveni Area Proper For New Nuclear Pwr Plant

"The factory is ready to double production as of 2010 and 2011, for the 3rd and 4th nuclear reactors at Cernavoda, preparations are being made to double the fuel production," Videanu said after a visit at the factory with Premier Emil Boc.

The Nuclear Fuel Factory in Mioveni is a member of state-owned Nuclearelectrica, the operator of Romania’s sole nuclear power plant in Cernavoda, and provides fuel for the plant’s two nuclear reactors.

Asked by the media whether the area the factory operates in meets the conditions for the construction of the new nuclear power plant, Videanu said: "Categorically, categorically."

Last year, Romanian authorities announced their intention of building a new nuclear power plant of two to four nukes, after 2020, besides the existing one in Cernavoda.

Sources within the Economy Ministry told MEDIAFAX in February the government was evaluating two locations for the construction of a new nuclear power plant.

Romania’s sole nuclear power station Cernavoda, operated by state-owned nuclear energy company Nuclearelectrica, currently has two 700 MW reactors and provides around 18% of Romania’s power needs. Two new nuclear reactors with similar powers are scheduled to become operational by 2015-2016, their construction being estimated to start in 2010-2011.

EnergoNuclear, a joint-venture company made up of Nuclearelectrica, Czech CEZ, Italy’s Enel, Germany’s RWE, ArcelorMittal Romania, Electrabel (part of Belgian-French group GDF Suez) and Spain’s Iberdrola, will build the new reactors, in an investement estimated by Romanian authorities at EUR4 billion.

Romanian carmaker Dacia, owned by France’s Renault, has its production facilities also in Mioveni area.