The partnership covers technological and scientific research projects, training programmes and joint initiatives aimed at strengthening Poland’s nuclear power capabilities, according to the Polish energy ministry.
Energy Minister Miłosz Motyka called the cooperation agreement “an investment in the future,” saying nuclear power is becoming a driving force of Poland’s economy.
“We don’t just want to be a country that carries out nuclear projects,” Motyka said. “We want to be a European leader in developing new technologies and expertise.”
Deputy Energy Minister Wojciech Wrochna, the government's commissioner for strategic energy infrastructure, described the partnership as "a major civilizational project,” saying it would benefit Polish businesses, scientists and industry partners.
NCBJ Director Jakub Kupecki said combining Poland’s research potential with Westinghouse’s global experience would accelerate the country’s nuclear programme.
“Our partnership is strategic,” Kupecki said. “We are joining forces in areas vital to Poland’s energy security and low-emission transition—from reactor research and supply-chain development to workforce training and industrial cooperation.”
Lou Martinez, Westinghouse’s executive vice president for R&D and innovation, said the company’s global expertise paired with local knowledge would help ensure a safe energy transition.
Mirosław Kowalik, president of Westinghouse's Polish subsidiary, said the company currently employs 400 people in the country and plans to expand.
Under the agreement, the NCBJ and Westinghouse will exchange knowledge and conduct joint research on advanced reactor technologies, including small modular reactors (SMRs).
They will also work together on safety analyses, operational strategies and the development of new testing infrastructure.
The National Centre for Nuclear Research, based in Świerk near Warsaw, is Poland’s largest nuclear research institution and operates the country’s only research reactor, Maria, used mainly for producing medical radioisotopes.
Westinghouse Electric Company designs, builds and services nuclear power plants worldwide. Together with US engineering firm Bechtel, it is developing Poland’s first nuclear power plant on the Baltic coast. The facility will feature three AP1000 reactors supplied by Westinghouse.
According to the government’s timeline, construction is expected to begin in 2028, with the first reactor scheduled to come on stream in 2036.
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Source: IAR, PAP