SC EnergoNuclear S.A. and Atomic Energy of Canada Limited sign contract

Major milestone towards realization of the Cernavoda NPP Units 3 and 4 investment project

BUCHAREST , Feb. 8 /CNW/ - SC EnergoNuclear S.A. (EnergoNuclear) and Atomic Energy of Canada Limited (AECL) today announced the signing of a major contract to assess the technical and commercial viability, and planning of the Cernavoda Nuclear Power Plant (NPP) Units 3 and 4 investment project in Romania , currently in the pre-project phase.

The scope of the contract is for AECL to provide consulting services in the nuclear safety and engineering field in order to define what is required to complete the Cernavoda NPP Units 3 and 4 project. More specifically, AECL will undertake activities such as design, authorization and assessment of the existing infrastructure and safety conditions.

Cooperation between Romania and Canada in the nuclear energy field reflects a strong history based on the CANDU 6 design for Units 1 and 2, which are already in operation. Further cooperation between EnergoNuclear and AECL is confirmation of the commitment to performance and safety, as evidenced by Units 1 and 2, and of the desire to develop investments in a field of priority meeting the same criteria of safety and confidence for Units 3 and 4.

Canada's CANDU technology has contributed to Romania's healthy nuclear industry, and has proven to be an important economic asset for the country. CANDU technology also enhances energy self-sufficiency as both nuclear fuel and heavy water are produced by Romania .

"This contract is a significant step towards the completion of Units 3 and 4," said Dan Ionescu , General Manager of EnergoNuclear S.A. "Units 1 and 2, in service since 2007, already provide 20 per cent of Romania's electricity supply and have produced significant economic benefits, high value jobs and industry spinoffs. Once complete, the new units will substantially increase our nuclear energy capabilities, and provide significant new economic and employment opportunities in the region."

"AECL has been active in Romania since the early 1980's and has been a primary contributor to the nuclear infrastructure in the Romanian market. We are delighted to be working with EnergoNuclear to strengthen Romania's nuclear capability," said AECL's President and Chief Executive Officer Hugh MacDiarmid. "Our CANDU 6 reactor is the top performing reactor in the world with a lifetime capacity factor of almost 90 per cent, and we believe that this track record of high performance will continue with Units 3 and 4."

About SC EnergoNuclear S.A.

EnergoNuclear SA is owned 51 per cent by Romanian-utility Nuclearelectrica SA along with joint venture partners Czech utility CEZ, France's GDF-Suez, Italy's Enel, Germany's RWE Power, Spain's Iberdrola and steel producer ArcelorMittal. The company was established in March 2009 to undertake the construction, commissioning and operation of two new reactors at the Cernavoda nuclear power plant in Romania .

About AECL

Atomic Energy of Canada Limited is a full-service nuclear technology company, providing services to nuclear utilities around the world. Established in 1952, AECL is the designer and builder of CANDU technology including the CANDU 6, one of the world's top-performing reactors and the Advanced CANDU Reactor (ACR-1000). AECL's 5,000 employees deliver cutting edge nuclear services, R&D support, design, and engineering, construction management, specialized technology, refurbishment, waste management and decommissioning in support of CANDU reactor products. More information on AECL and CANDU reactor technology can be found at www.aecl.ca.

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For further information: Dale Coffin, Director, Corporate Communications, AECL, Tel: [phone]