Romania Turns to Small Modular Reactors with U.S. to Achieve Energy Independence

Russia’s ongoing war in Ukraine exposed the harsh reality that energy dependence can pose a threat to national security. For too long, Romania, like much of Europe, has relied on imported Russian fossil fuels, leaving families and businesses vulnerable to geopolitical manipulation. If Romania is to secure its future, it must cut its reliance on unstable suppliers and invest in domestic energy. 

A solution for achieving energy independence? Nuclear energy. Specifically, small modular reactors. These reactors are currently developed in partnership with the United States as a clean, scalable, and safe source of energy.

Romania can benefit from safe, sustainable power generation, strengthen its economy, and attain true energy independence with America’s innovative assistance and technology. 

Romania positioning itself as a nuclear energy innovator 

In recent years, the United States and Romania have gradually expanded their civil nuclear cooperation. In 2021, Romania signed an agreement with NuScale Power to explore small nuclear reactor deployment. That vision is now coming to life through the Doice?ti small modular reactor project, which is backed by the U.S. government, Romanian nuclear energy company Nuclearelectrica, and private investors.

With construction set to begin by the end of the decade, Romania is positioning itself as a nuclear energy innovator. This project isn’t just about energy; it’s about economic modernization, growth, and jobs. The plant is projected to create over 2,000 jobs during construction and 200 permanent jobs once operational. It will attract high-tech investment and increase Romania’s industrial base, ultimately contributing to GDP growth and greater energy self-sufficiency. 

Small modular reactors: a new generation of technology 

Some critics question whether going nuclear is the right choice. One concern is over the risks associated with nuclear energy sources. Yet small modular reactors are a new generation of technology that is compact, factory-built, and designed with passive safety systems that make already safe nuclear energy even safer. They offer constant and reliable power, unlike intermittent renewables such as wind or solar, and their scalability makes them ideal for a flexible energy future.  

America’s energy policy is becoming more supportive of nuclear innovation. Both the private sector and Congress agree that nuclear power is essential to any meaningful energy transition.

Reflecting the critical role of the private sector that is the engine of innovation and efficiency, Heritage Foundation scholar Jack Spencer recently published a timely book on the subject, laying out a bold agenda for moving nuclear forward. Spencer’s book “Nuclear Revolution” underscores “why government intervention in the nuclear industry is a problem, how to move from the status quo to something new, and why such reforms will kick off an era of nuclear entrepreneurship and innovation.” 

U.S Secretary of Energy Chris Wright has also made commercial nuclear power a priority for unleashing American energy abundance and innovation. Signing his first Secretarial Order directing the Department of Energy to take immediate action to unleash American Energy in accordance with President Donald Trump’s executive orders, Wright noted, 

The long-awaited American nuclear renaissance must launch during President Trump’s administration. As global energy demand continues to grow, America must lead the commercialization of affordable and abundant nuclear energy. As such, the Department will work diligently and creatively to enable the rapid deployment and export of next-generation nuclear technology. 

Romania can benefit from this renewed focus on nuclear energy. This is a pivotal moment. Through its partnership with the United States and investment in small modular nuclear reactors, Romania can secure long-term energy independence, fuel economic growth, and even become a regional energy leader.  

A pragmatic strategy that’s in America’s interest 

From this broader and geostrategic perspective, continuing to enhance pragmatic bilateral relationships with Romania on key economic, energy, and security policy fronts can be in America’s foreign policy interest.  

According to The Heritage Foundation’s latest annual Index of Economic Freedom, Romania’s economy is considered “moderately free.” To be sure, Romania’s rise toward greater economic resilience and competitiveness has been held back by institutional shortcomings and weak spots that require further reform. The government will have to focus on improving the judicial system, strengthening anti-corruption efforts, removing rigidities in the labor market, and further modernizing the financial sector. 

To that end, one of the practical engagements Washington can opt for and reinforce is to continue supporting America’s interaction with Romania through the Three Seas Initiative.  Officially launched in 2016, the initiative aims to strengthen infrastructure, energy, and digital interconnectivity projects among countries bordering the Adriatic, Baltic, and Black seas and to connect them for greater regional development. 

For the United States and Romania, energy policy is no longer just about economics. It goes well beyond watts and grids as a pragmatic geoeconomic strategy that should not be missed. 

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