Arabelle Solutions Obtains Contract to Refurbish Turbogenerator at Nuclear Plant

A subsidiary of EDF Group, Arabelle Solutions, received a contract from S.N. Nuclearelectrica (SNN) to refurbish a turbogenerator in Unit 1 of the Cernavoda Nuclear Power Plant in Romania. The complete refurbishment scope includes engineering studies, manufacturing, dismantling existing systems, installing new equipment, and conducting long-term maintenance operations. The unit is scheduled to continue operation in 2030.

“Arabelle Solutions has long-standing expertise in manufacturing turbine island technology and providing essential services to maintain, maximize, and extend the lifetime of nuclear power plants around the world,” said Arnaud Westrelin, Executive Vice President of Services, Arabelle Solutions. “We are delighted to continue our partnership with SNN.”

This refurbishment contract falls under Romania’s national program to extend the operational lifetime of Unit 1, which has been operational since 1996. Previously, Arabelle Solutions executed maintenance services for Unit 1 and Unit 2, including multi-year contracts to refurbish shaft line components.

Cernavoda Nuclear Power Plant in Romania | Image Credit: Ansaldo Energia

“The refurbishment of Cernavoda NPP Unit 1 aims to ensure the safe and economically efficient operation of the unit for a new full life cycle,” said Cosmin Ghita, CEO of SNN. “All preparation and implementation activities are carried out according to the highest standards of excellence and international best practices. We are pleased to collaborate with Arabelle Solutions, a trusted partner that has contributed to the successful operation of Cernavoda Units 1 and 2 over many years.”

Additionally, the contract supports Romania’s commitment to energy independence and nuclear energy as a foundation for the domestic energy mix and economic development. The Cernavoda plant in southeastern Romania is the country’s only nuclear facility and supplies approximately 20% of national electricity demand.

“We are proud to support the refurbishment of Cernavoda Unit 1, a project of strategic importance for Romania’s energy future,” said Catherine Cornand, CEO of Arabelle Solutions. “This contract reflects our commitment to delivering proven, reliable, and innovative technologies that enable the safe, long-term operation of nuclear assets, while providing reliable, low-carbon electricity to future generations.”

Cernavoda Nuclear

In February 2024, Ansaldo Nucleare, SNN, and SACE signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to support the strengthening of the production of nuclear Energy in Romania, specifically linked to the life extension and development of Units 1, 3, and 4 at the Cernavoda power plant. With the insurance support of SACE, the MoU will establish a financing line of up to €2 billion to execute nuclear activities.

The agreement was recently signed at the Ministry of Business and Made in Italy. Currently, two 700 MWe CANDU 6 type units are in operation at the Cernavoda power plant, which became operational in 1996 and 2007, respectively. Together, these units supply approximately 20% of Romania’s energy needs. Ansaldo Nucleare participated in the construction of the units, which are designed for an operating cycle of 30 years. At the end of 2026, Unit 1 will reach the 30-year milestone and, as a result, SNN has started the refurbishment process.

Ansaldo Nucleare will be responsible for the engineering and procurement of life extension components for Unit 1 in collaboration with Candu Energy and KHNP, which will respectively take care of the nuclear island and the activities construction. SNN intends to complete Units 3 and 4 at the Cernavoda plant, with Ansaldo Nucleare involved in the process as the company originally designed the balance of plant.