Romania, Belgium and Italy have formed a consortium with an American firm to develop small nuclear reactors

Romania, Belgium and Italy have formed a consortium with an American firm to develop small nuclear reactors.

President Klaus Iohannis and Belgian Prime Minister Alexander De Croo signed a memorandum of understanding in this regard today in Brussels.

Romania will be the first country in the world to put this type of reactor into operation in 2028 or 2029. Both states are supporters of nuclear energy as a clean energy that helps the European Union reach its decarbonization targets.

Klaus Iohannis: I am glad that a memorandum of understanding was concluded today regarding the technology of nuclear reactors with fast neutrons, cooled with molten lead, between relevant institutions from Romania and Belgium, respectively three other institutions from Italy and the United States.

Reporter: However, beyond nuclear, Belgium also seems to be interested in the development of wind power in the Black Sea, given that Belgium already has wind turbines in operation in the North Sea.

Alexandru De Croo, Prime Minister: We have expertise in the field, and I know that Romania is considering wind farms on the Black Sea, so we would be happy to collaborate, but with all the renewable energy we will produce, we will still need nuclear, and today's memorandum confirms the investments that the two states will make in the nuclear field.

Translated by: Radu Matei