Billionaire Michał Sołowow is intensifying his expansion into small nuclear power technologies. His company has formed strategic partnerships with major firms from the United States, Japan, and South Korea to facilitate the construction of a fleet of small modular reactors (SMRs) across Europe.
Synthos Green Energy (SGE), which is under Sołowow’s control, has made another significant move towards developing small nuclear reactors. The company has signed an agreement with three global corporations: GE Vernova, Hitachi, and Samsung C&T. This collaboration will support market development and projects related to building reactors in Central-Eastern Europe and the United Kingdom.
The signing of the agreement took place in New York during the Atlantic Council Nuclear Energy Policy Summit, coinciding with the UN General Assembly. Notable attendees included U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau and Japan’s Vice Minister for International Affairs Masayoshi Arai.
“Europe and the UK require a scalable, commercial model for nuclear energy development based on proven technology, established supply chains, and collaboration with top-tier partners,” emphasized Michał Sołowow, founder of SGE.
This agreement extends beyond the collaboration on a single power plant; the companies aim to jointly explore market opportunities, develop implementation strategies for BWRX-300 technology reactors, and seek additional commercial projects.
SGE will maintain its role as the exclusive regional partner responsible for advancing this technology across a significant portion of Central-Eastern Europe.
Nuclear Initiative
Each partner brings unique expertise to the project. GE Vernova Hitachi Nuclear Energy is the designer and provider of BWRX-300 technology. Hitachi will contribute its technical and industrial experience in nuclear energy, while Samsung C&T will offer engineering and construction skills for large-scale investments.
“By combining GE Vernova Hitachi’s BWRX-300 technology, Hitachi’s industrial experience, and Samsung C&T’s global expertise in executing large projects, SGE is creating a platform for deploying standardized fleets of nuclear reactors in various markets. We believe this represents one of the most competitive commercial solutions for the European energy system, providing stable, clean energy 24/7, reducing implementation risks, strengthening supply chains, and supporting long-term industry growth,” stated Sołowow.
Samsung C&T is notably involved in constructing the Barakah nuclear power plant in the United Arab Emirates and has participated in the execution of ten nuclear blocks totaling 12 GW of power.
“Europe is entering a new strategic era where energy independence, supply security, and industrial resilience are becoming key components of national and regional security,” remarked Rafał Kasprów, president of SGE.
The BWRX-300 reactor has a capacity of 300 MW, with the first unit currently under construction in Canada. SGE aims to utilize the same design in future locations, rather than creating new designs for each plant. This consistency is expected to lower costs for subsequent investments.
UK’s Second Nuclear Plant for Sołowow
The project has taken another step forward in the UK’s regulatory processes concerning nuclear energy. In the initial location, SGE plans to deploy six reactors, with commercial operations of the first units anticipated to begin in 2034.
Greater Plans for Poland
Poland remains the primary market for Sołowow’s nuclear ambitions. SGE, in collaboration with Orlen through the Orlen Synthos Green Energy (OSGE) partnership, is preparing to construct the first BWRX-300 reactor in the country. The plans include a substantial decision involving 26 reactors, with the first block expected to be operational by 2032.
The initial site is planned for Włocławek, where Anwil, a subsidiary of the Orlen group, operates. OSGE has also approached the Ministry of Energy to begin work on a support system for 14 blocks, including a difference contract mechanism to ensure adequate revenue levels for the investment.
At the end of August, OSGE faced liquidity risks due to a lack of funds for SMR technology licensing fees. Ultimately, Sołowow opted to extend the deadline for payments, which alleviated immediate concerns but did not resolve ongoing issues regarding the project’s future.
Nuclear Expansion Amid Polish Challenges
The new agreement indicates that despite difficulties in collaboration with Orlen, Michał Sołowow is pursuing his nuclear strategy at a European level. SGE aims to create a fleet of identical reactors operating in different countries, with the signed agreement ensuring the industrial support needed for this plan.
This partnership also has a political dimension. According to statements from SGE, the initiative aligns with an agreement to develop and implement SMR technology established during this year’s NATO summit by representatives from the U.S., Japan, and South Korea. The U.S. State Department has highlighted the cooperation between GE Vernova, Hitachi, Samsung C&T, and SGE as an example of industrial and government collaboration in advancing BWRX-300 in Europe.
