Embassy Press Release

Remarks Delivered by Ambassador Mark Gitenstein on the occasion of U.S. Nuclear Industry Mission to Romania

Hilton Athenée Hotel
Bucharest
September 21, 2009

Minister Videanu,
State Secretary Serban,
Distinguished Guests,
Ladies and Gentlemen;

It is my pleasure to welcome you here this evening, and in particular to welcome and introduce a group of American companies who represent some of the world’s leading technology and capability in the nuclear energy industry.

While the current economic downturn has reduced the world’s energy consumption, we know that it marks just a temporary pause in a trend moving irresistibly upward. By 2030, the world’s demand for electricity will have increased 44% from what we consumed in 2006. This appetite for electricity grows despite our concerns about climate change and energy security, and has driven investment in new generation capacity and alternative, cleaner energy technologies.

Romania shares these concerns, as well as the commitment to investment in cleaner energy production, and U.S. industry has proven its value as a partner to Romania in both areas. For example, Europe’s largest onshore wind farm is expected to come on-line in 2011. Owned by the Czech company CEZ [“chez”], this investment will add 600 mega watts to Romania’s capacity. I am pleased to note that a U.S. company -- GE Energy -- will be providing an additional 101 wind turbines to that project, in addition to the 139 it has sold already.

In the same way, I am confident that the American companies here tonight will make an important and valuable contribution to Romania’s nuclear energy landscape.

Around the world, nuclear generation is attracting new interest as countries seek to increase the diversity their energy supplies, improve energy security, and provide a low-carbon alternative to fossil fuels. The United States has been a leader across all facets of this industry, from design to waste disposal. Cernavoda’s Reactors One and Two include turbines, generators, and fuel loading machines – again, from GE.

I would like to thank the Ministry of Economy and Nuclearelectrica for their support of this project, and for providing these companies with the opportunity to share how they can contribute to Romania’s current and future development of nuclear energy. I would also like to thank American law firm White and Case for their support, and for the advice and perspective they will be sharing with our delegates tomorrow.

Let me close by thanking you again for your attendance this evening, and by wishing all of our U.S. companies and Romanian business partners every success!

Thank you.

back to top ^