The secretary of energy discussed plans for modernizing the Cernavoda nuclear power plant and other U.S.-Romania civil nuclear and energy projects in Bucharest July 23-24, according to a Department of Energy press release.
Jennifer Granholm, the U.S. secretary of energy, gave keynote remarks on Wednesday at the 5th annual ministerial meeting of the Partnership for Transatlantic Energy and Climate Cooperation (P-TECC), a platform for policymakers to coordinate resources and technology in energy security. The international platform includes the U.S., Romania, and 23 other central and eastern European countries.
U.S. companies Fluor and Sargent & Lundy are involved with the modernization of the Romanian power plant Cernavoda.
The first cohort of 28 ASC employees arrived at Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard and Intermediate Maintenance Facility this month to start training on nuclear-powered submarine maintenance as part of the AUKUS agreement.
ASC was formerly the Australian Submarine Corporation. These personnel are starting the process to support U.S. and U.K. submarines used to train Australians in the lead up to Australia eventually fielding its own fleet of nuclear-powered attack submarines via the trilateral AUKUS agreement among Australia, the U.K. and U.S.
“After months of preparation, we are excited to welcome the Australian maintainers into our shipyard family. The intensive training process they will undergo over the next few years will lay the groundwork for them to ultimately lead and execute their own maintenance operations,” Capt. Ryan McCrillis, commanding officer of Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard and Intermediate Maintenance Facility, said in a statement.
The NNSA Pantex Plant was announced to be the largest employer across the Texas panhandle, according to Pantex prime contractor Consolidated Nuclear Security.
The CNS press release said that employment has “increased dramatically” to 4,626 employees, up from 3,100 ten years ago. Colby Yeary, Pantex site manager, said that the plant plans to house 300 employees in Amarillo to accommodate growth.
“We will continue with our modernization programs, including an increased workload and work force,” Yeary said.