ABB has secured a contract from engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) contractor Ansaldo Nucleare to modernize the control and safety systems at Unit 1 of the Cernavodă Nuclear Power Plant in Romania. The project will support the planned extension of the unit’s operating life by an additional 30 years, helping maintain a reliable source of low-carbon baseload electricity for the Romanian grid.
Located approximately 165 kilometres east of Bucharest, Cernavodă is Romania’s only nuclear power plant and is operated by Societatea Națională Nuclearelectrica (SNN). The facility currently comprises two CANDU-6 nuclear units, with Unit 1 entering commercial operation in 1996 and Unit 2 in 2007. The plant contributes approximately 18–20% of Romania’s total electricity generation, underlining its importance to the country’s energy security and power supply.
Under the modernization programme, ABB will replace existing systems with ABB Ability™ System 800xA®, providing an integrated platform for the plant’s distributed control system, emergency shutdown system for Category B and C functions, and cyber security solutions. ABB’s scope will include engineering and testing activities, while standby diesel generator Category A functions will be implemented through a combination of conventional hardwired equipment.
The upgraded architecture is designed to provide a centralized and cyber-secure operating environment, supporting improved reliability, maintainability and long-term plant performance. ABB already has established experience at the site, with its systems having operated at Cernavodă Unit 2 since 2007.
Daniela Gentile, CEO of Ansaldo Nucleare, said the modernization represents an important step towards maintaining the safety and performance of Unit 1 and extending its operational life. She added that Ansaldo Nucleare’s knowledge of the facility, together with ABB’s experience at Cernavodă and expertise in nuclear automation, would support the efficient execution of the project.
Per Erik Holsten, President of ABB’s Energy Industries division, said modernizing critical control and safety infrastructure is essential to maintaining the reliability and output of nuclear facilities as energy demand increases. He added that the project combines advanced automation with integrated cyber security capabilities to support the continued safe and efficient operation of the plant.
The project comes as countries seek to strengthen energy security while reducing emissions. Nuclear power provides dependable low-carbon electricity and can complement variable renewable sources such as solar and wind. By upgrading critical automation and safety infrastructure, the Cernavodă project is expected to contribute to the long-term resilience of Romania’s electricity system.
ABB is a global technology company focused on electrification and automation, supporting industries in improving efficiency, productivity and sustainability. With more than 140 years of history and approximately 110,000 employees worldwide, ABB operates across global markets, with its Automation business providing technologies and services for process, hybrid and maritime industries.
