Romania Breaks Ground on Europe’s First Tritium Removal Facility at Cernavodă Nuclear Plant

Cernavodă, The Gulf Observer: Romania marked a historic milestone in its nuclear energy sector on Monday, June 2, with the official launch of construction on Europe’s first tritium removal facility (CTRF) at the Cernavodă Nuclear Power Plant. The facility, the third of its kind in the world after similar projects in Canada and South Korea, is set to elevate Romania to the forefront of global civilian nuclear technology, according to Energy Minister Sebastian Burduja.

Developed by Romanian nuclear operator Nuclearelectrica in partnership with Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power (KHNP), the groundbreaking project utilizes cutting-edge technology designed domestically by the National Research and Development Institute for Cryogenic and Isotopic Technologies (ICSI Râmnicu Vâlcea).

The CTRF will focus on extracting tritium — a radioactive isotope of hydrogen — from the heavy water used in CANDU reactor systems. This process allows the recycled water to be reused safely in nuclear operations while enabling the secure storage of tritium or its potential future use as a fuel in advanced nuclear fusion reactors.

“This is the most significant development in Romania’s nuclear sector since the commissioning of Unit 2 at Cernavodă,” said Minister Burduja at the launch ceremony. “The project positions Romania among the few nations with the capability to produce and export tritium — considered a key fuel for the fusion energy of the future, such as that envisioned in the ITER program.”

The tritium removal facility is expected to be completed within 50 months and will adhere to the highest international standards of nuclear safety. The total project cost includes EUR 145 million in financing secured through a loan from the European Investment Bank (EIB).

According to a Nuclearelectrica press release, the Cernavodă Tritium Removal Facility will feature several advanced technological modules, including systems for liquid-phase isotope separation, cryogenic distillation, and high vacuum operations — underscoring Romania’s growing capacity for nuclear innovation and leadership.

With this development, Romania not only strengthens its energy security and technological standing but also makes a strategic investment in the global future of clean and sustainable nuclear power.