Poland’s government expects to finish a plan for deploying small modular reactors by the end of September, Energy Minister Miłosz Motyka told public radio, adding that several domestic companies are already reviewing possible technologies, sites and investments.
Motyka said the roadmap will cover both power generation and district‑heating needs and will be folded into the national energy strategy.
Prime Minister Donald Tusk last week urged the ministry to deliver a detailed action plan this summer, calling SMRs “a real opportunity” for the country.
The most advanced Polish project so far is Orlen Synthos Green Energy (OSGE), a 50‑50 venture between state‑controlled refiner Orlen and chemical group Synthos, owned by billionaire Michał Sołowow.
OSGE aims to build a fleet of GE‑Hitachi BWRX‑300 reactors in sites including Włocławek, Stawy Monowskie and Ostrołęka.
The 300‑megawatt BWRX‑300 is a boiling‑water design that falls into the SMR category because of its relatively low output.
On December 7, 2023, the climate ministry issued six fundamental decisions allowing OSGE to pursue six BWRX‑300 units, although Poland’s internal‑security agency (ABW) delivered a negative opinion during the permitting process. OSGE’s request to declassify the ABW assessment was rejected.
In February 2024 the State Assets Ministry ordered a new audit of OSGE by Orlen’s incoming management, while the climate ministry launched a separate review of earlier decisions, limited to the project’s ownership structure.
This month, OSGE signed a letter of intent with Canada’s Ontario Power Generation on cooperation for SMR deployment.
Deputy chief Bartosz Fijałkowski said a revised shareholder agreement is expected soon, enabling the Canadian utility to provide services essential for installing and safely operating BWRX‑300 units in Poland.
(jh)
Source: PAP