Trying to keep pace with the future global requirements of raw materials necessary for the nuclear domain, the Autonomous Administration for Nuclear Activities (RAAN) is preparing two new big projects: the manufacture of deuterium and of tritium for nuclear reactors that will operate on the basis of fusion (those in Cernavodă operate on fission) and of the ultrapure water, which will bring major benefits to consumers.
"At present, viable solutions are being sought, aimed at ensuring the energy future of mankind. A great solution that will provide energy for the near and medium-term future is fusion technology (the project International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor, called ITER). From this perspective, Romania, through its Heavy Water Plant and the Cernavodă Nuclear Energy Plant, will be able to supply to the European Union raw material (deuterium, tritium) for fusion reactors. In this respect, Romag-Prod is the only important heavy water plant in Europe," Constantin Bolocan, the Director of Romag-Prod, one of RAAN's branches, told the Curierul Naţional. He said that "the Romag-Prod installations have been modernised, using BAT-type technologies, and the Integrated environment authorisation has been obtained without the transition period and without a Compliance Plan, valid until 2018.
On the other hand, the general manager of the RAAN, Adrian Olaru, has informed us that the production of ultrapure water is also being considered. "A current concern of the RAAN specialists is related to obtaining another new product - the ultrapure water - with a poor content of mineralised deuterium, which will lead to significant health benefits to consumers," Olaru said in an interview given to the Curierul Naţional.
"In accordance with the project of execution, an isotope exchange line can produce, over its entire life of 15 years, a quantity of heavy water of
