Wedoany.com Report-Oct. 14, Nuclearelectrica, the operator of Romania’s sole nuclear power plant in Cernavoda, announced that its subsidiary, the Feldioara Uranium Concentrate Processing Plant (FPCU), has won an international tender to supply uranium dioxide nuclear fuel to Argentina. The agreement, reported on October 14 via a filing with the Bucharest Stock Exchange, involves processing uranium octoxide to produce uranium dioxide, meeting Argentina’s nuclear power plant consumption needs for one year.

The contract represents a significant milestone for Nuclearelectrica and its subsidiary, marking their first international delivery of nuclear raw materials. Cosmin Ghita, Nuclearelectrica’s general manager, highlighted the achievement, stating: “The fact that we are delivering nuclear raw materials for the first time to another country that owns and operates PHWR [pressurized heavy-water reactor] reactors is a source of pride and achievement for Nuclearelectrica and its subsidiary, FPCU Feldioara, but also for the development of the Romanian fuel cycle, given that Nuclearelectrica took over the processing assets in December 2022, operationalised Feldioara in 2023 and continues to modernise.”

FPCU Feldioara’s general manager, Agafiel Gelu Maracineanu, emphasized the broader vision, saying: “Beyond supplying the raw material needed to manufacture fuel assemblies at FCN [nuclear fuel factory] Pitesti and, subsequently, to operate Units 1 and 2 at CNE Cernavoda, at the highest level of quality to maintain excellence in the integrated nuclear production flow, we have set out to develop, expand our supply network and offer the nuclear fuel cycle in Romania a new dimension: the international one.”

In December 2022, Nuclearelectrica acquired uranium concentrate processing assets from the Feldioara Branch, previously owned by the National Uranium Company (CNU), which was liquidated in March 2021. CNU had managed Romania’s uranium resources, including geological research, exploitation, ore preparation, and refining. Nuclearelectrica leased these assets to its subsidiary, FPCU Feldioara, established in 2021, which has since modernized operations to support both domestic and international supply chains.

The agreement strengthens Romania’s position in the global nuclear energy market, showcasing its ability to deliver high-quality nuclear fuel materials. The Feldioara facility’s role in processing uranium for Argentina’s pressurized heavy-water reactors enhances Romania’s nuclear fuel cycle capabilities, supporting both domestic needs at Cernavoda and international partnerships.

Romania’s energy ministry holds an 82.5% stake in Nuclearelectrica, with the remaining shares publicly traded on the Bucharest Stock Exchange. On October 14, the company’s shares traded at 47 lei ($10.7/9.23 euro) at 0942 CET. This contract underscores Nuclearelectrica’s commitment to advancing its nuclear expertise, fostering economic growth, and contributing to global clean energy solutions through reliable supply chains.