Motyka, when asked about the details of the schedule, pointed out that state analyzes will include existing technological proposals and potential locations. “Such a plan, we are able to prepare such a road map,” admitted the minister. “There are companies in Poland that are already thinking about specific technology, locations and investments.” He also emphasized the need to enter the development of this technology in the National Energy Strategy.
The declaration of the Minister of Energy is part of the recent statement of Prime Minister Donald Tusk, who called SMR reactors “a real opportunity” for Poland. The head of government called for precise activities in this matter, emphasizing that directional decisions should be taken before the end of summer.
Read also: Polish SMR with Canadian support. The first reactors as early as 2035.
BWRX-300 reactors
Among Polish initiatives in the field of SMR, the project implemented by Orlen Synthos Green Energy (Osge), a company belonging to the Orlen group and the chemical group Synthos, which is owned by Michał Sołowow. The key assumption of this project is the construction of the BWRX-300 reactor fleet, which was created by Ge-Hitachi Nuclear Energy. Locations already selected by OSGE include, among others Włocławek, Stawy Monowskie and Ostrołęka.
BWRX-300 reactors, belonging to the water-winging family (BWR), are characterized by relatively low power-300 MWe. Thanks to the compact size and flexible construction, these reactors are part of the SMR technology profile, which according to experts can be a breakthrough step in the transformation of the nuclear energy sector.
On December 7, 2023, the Minister of Climate and Environment issued six basic decisions regarding the construction of nuclear energy facilities in BWRX-300 technology. Despite the breakthrough, the process of approval of OSGE projects encountered difficulties – the Internal Security Agency presented a negative opinion on the applications submitted by the company. Attempts to declassify the justification of this decision by Osge in November 2023 ended with a refusal from the relevant authorities.
“Series of key services”
Meanwhile, the Ministry of State Asset has announced an audit of OSGE's activities by the new management of Orlen. Representatives of the Ministry of Climate and Environment also analyze this project, but focusing only on its ownership structure, ignoring the technology.
In July this year, the hopes for the further development of technology in Poland were strengthened by signing a letter of intent between Orlen Synthos Green Energy and the Canadian company Ontario Power Generation. The agreement, whose details were revealed by the deputy head of Osge Bartosz Fijałkowski, opens the way to cooperation in the field of services necessary to implement and operate the BWRX-300 modular nuclear reactors. “These are a number of key services for the safe operation of technology in our country,” he emphasized. Soon another agreement is to be reached between Osge owners.
The development of small modular nuclear reactors in Poland is gaining a clear pace. Decisions taken at the government level along with the involvement of private investors may decide whether SMR technology will become part of the national energy system, responding to challenges related to energy transformation.
