Construction works at units 3 and 4 of the Cernavoda nuclear power station in SE Romania will start simultaneously at the beginning of next year with a series of preparation works at already existing facilities. The estimated costs of these works will amount to 15 million USD, an Economy Ministry press release said on Thursday.

The conclusion of works at the two nuclear units needs a series of preparation operations while investors will be selected to establish a project company. The conclusion of these works in 2007 will significantly reduce the period of time for the thorough construction of the two nuclear reactors.

In April this year, the Economy Ministry in Bucharest proposed the Government the simultaneous construction of both reactors in Cernavoda. To accomplish that, a joint company with private capital must be established and from then on works are expected to last up to 76 months.