Control audit flags major flaws and financial risk in Doicești SMR project

Nuclearelectrica’s shareholders voted to publish the Prime Minister’s Control Body report on the Doicești small modular reactor (SMR) initiative after an inspection revealed major procedural and financial shortcomings. The document highlights nearly two years of delay, the selection of the plant’s location without a thorough economic analysis, and the formation of a 50-50 joint venture with Nova Power & Gas that did not follow transparent procurement guidelines.

It also criticises the way land purchase decisions and the expansion of decision-making powers were handled outside of public tender processes, leaving the bulk of commercial and financial risk with the state utility. The SMR scheme, touted as essential for Romania’s future energy independence, is based on American NuScale technology and is expected to be funded through US loans. These findings raise concerns about the project's viability and the stewardship of public resources.