DP World has signed an agreement with French research organisation Commissariat à l’Energie Atomique et aux Energies Alternatives (CEA) and strategy specialist TerraWater Institute.
The partnership will assess the feasibility of Small Modular Reactor (SMR) technology as a potential long-term energy source for the Port of Constanța in Romania.
As ports continue to electrify, DP World said access to reliable, low-carbon energy is becoming central to future competitiveness.
Rising demand from electrified cargo handling equipment, shore power, AI-driven data centres, residential heating and wider industrial activity is placing additional strain on existing grids, increasing the need for stable and scalable generation capacity.
The study positions nuclear, including SMRs, as a potential contributor to firm, low-carbon electricity supply for port and industrial operations.
Romania, which already has established nuclear capability, is being considered within the study’s wider context of European energy security and decarbonisation aligned with EU priorities.
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The work will model projected energy demand at the Port of Constanța between 2030 and 2050, assess integrated low-carbon energy systems, and evaluate the technical, strategic and economic feasibility of nuclear-based solutions.
It will also review safety requirements and community considerations, drawing on CEA’s expertise in SMR design and nuclear safety, aligned with DP World’s “zero harm” operational approach.
According to DP World, any potential deployment would be subject to further technical validation, regulatory approval and engagement with stakeholders.
Nicholas Mazzei, Vice President Sustainability – Europe, DP World, said: “DP World sees the transition to a net zero economy not only as an environmental imperative, but as a driver of future growth across global trade. Nuclear SMRs are not just energy projects for our ports; they are a competitive infrastructure differentiator.
“This study will help us better understand how nuclear energy can strengthen operational resilience and help meet rising demand. Across Europe, nuclear energy is increasingly recognised as a resilient and cost-effective solution with the potential to underpin the next generation of industrial activity and the supply chains.”
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Myrto Tripathi, General Director, TerraWater Institute, stated: “This study is about understanding how future low-carbon energy systems could be designed to meet complex and evolving demands, while maintaining high standards of safety and environmental performance.”
Stéphane Sarrade, Directeur des Programmes Énergies, CEA, added: “This study brings together expertise in nuclear technology and energy systems to assess how small modular reactors could be integrated into a real port environment. By working with DP World and TerraWater, we are applying advanced modelling and analysis to better understand how these solutions could support reliable, low-carbon energy for ports.”
For more information:
DP World – https://www.dpworld.com/en
