General counsel | RoPower Nuclear

Andrei Nicolae
General counsel | RoPower Nuclear
Team size: Four
What are the most significant cases, projects or transactions that you and your legal team have recently been involved in?
As General Counsel of RoPower Nuclear I led the company’s legal strategy in advancing one of the most significant energy infrastructure projects in the region, namely the development of the Small Modular Reactor (SMR) Project based on NuScale technology in Doicesti, Romania. Over the past years, I successfully concluded several landmark transactions underpinning the project’s progress and long-term viability.
Key accomplishments include finalizing the FEED Phase 2 Agreement for the Doicesti SMR Project, securing the technical and commercial framework essential for project execution; concluding a Technology License Agreement with NuScale, ensuring access to cutting-edge nuclear technology; negotiating and executing a Loan Agreement of up to USD 243 million, providing critical financial support for project development; and overseeing the Sale and Purchase Agreement for the Doicesti site, enabling the establishment of the project’s physical footprint.
In addition to these milestones, I continued to strengthen the company’s governance, compliance, and stakeholder engagement frameworks, ensuring full alignment with international nuclear, financial, and environmental regulations.
How do you approach managing legal aspects during periods of instability or crisis to ensure the organisation’s resilience?
During periods of instability or crisis, I prioritize safety, regulatory compliance, and transparent communication with all stakeholders. My approach combines rapid legal risk assessment with scenario planning tailored to nuclear sector requirements, ensuring adherence to national and international nuclear safety, security, and non-proliferation standards. I coordinate closely with technical, regulatory, and government bodies to maintain operational continuity and public trust.
What is a cause, business or otherwise, that you are passionate about? Why is this?
I am deeply passionate about advancing nuclear energy as a cornerstone of sustainable development and energy security. The nuclear field embodies a rare combination of technological innovation, scientific rigor, and societal responsibility, values that resonate with my professional and personal principles. I believe in the transformative potential of Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) to provide clean, reliable power while supporting decarbonization and economic resilience.
Looking forward, what trends do you foresee in the legal landscape over the next 5–10 years that companies should prepare for?
In highly regulated sectors such as nuclear energy, legal teams will need to integrate technology-driven compliance tools, enhance cross-border regulatory coordination, and anticipate new standards for safety and non-proliferation in an increasingly digitalized environment.
General counsel | RoPower Nuclear