Candu Energy, a subsidiary of Canada-based AtkinsRéalis (formerly the SNC-Lavalin Group), has signed a framework agreement with Poland’s Orlen-Synthos Green Energy (OSGE), as well as a teaming agreement between OSGE, AtkinsRéalis, Aecon, and GE Hitachi Nuclear Energy (GEH), to support the planned deployment of GEH’s BWRX-300 small modular reactors (SMRs) in Poland.
The agreements were signed in Warsaw, in the presence of the Canadian Minister of Export Promotion, International Trade and Economic Development Mary Ng and the Canadian Ambassador to Poland Catherine Godin.
In December 2021, GE Hitachi, BWXT Canada and Synthos Green Energy (SGE) signed a Letter of Intent to cooperate in deploying BWRX-300 SMRs in Poland. OSGE is a joint venture between chemical producers SGE and PKN Orlen. In July 2022 OSGE submitted an application to Poland’s National Atomic Energy Agency for the assessment of GE Hitachi Nuclear Energy’s BWRX-300.
In 2023 OSGE applied to the Ministry of Climate & Environment for a fundamental decision for six NPPs with BWRX-300 SMRs. The applications relate to six sites – Ostroleka, Wloclawek, Stawy Monowskie, Dabrowa Górnicza, Nowa Huta, Tarnobrzeg Special Economic Zone. Poland’s National Atomic Energy Agency (PAA – Państwowa Agencja Atomistyki) has issued a general opinion that the BWRX-300 technology complies with Polish nuclear safety and radiological protection standards.
The BWRX-300 is a 300 MWe water-cooled, natural circulation SMR with passive safety systems that leverages the design and licensing basis of GEH’s ESBWR which has US Nuclear Regulatory Commission certification. The first BWRX-300 reactor is being built in the Toronto suburb of Darlington, and preparatory work is underway. This is the reference project for OSGE. AtkinsRéalis is providing a diverse range of expertise to deliver the SMR, which is expected to come online by 2029. Canadian Construction and infrastructure company Aecon is the constructor of the Darlington SMR.
Ian L Edwards, AtkinsRéalis President & CEO noted: “As Poland undertakes a visionary modernisation of its power grid, moving away from coal and toward nuclear power via both large and small reactors, we’re thrilled to offer our expertise to provide Poland with clean, reliable, and safe electricity for generations.”
“We will draw on our expertise from the ongoing successful deployment of the BWRX-300 SMR in Canada at Darlington to repeat the outcome for Poland, said. AtkinsRéalis President, Nuclear, Joe St. Julian. “AtkinsRéalis looks forward to continued partnership with GEH for further deployment of BWRX-300 SMRs across the world.”
Aecon Executive Vice President, Nuclear & Civil Thomas Clochard said: “We’re pleased to bring our full spectrum of construction solutions to support OSGE in collaboratively planning the deployment of the next generation of nuclear technology, contributing to the supply of clean, reliable and affordable electricity in Poland.”
A future mandate with OSGE would see AtkinsRéalis provide front end engineering and consulting services as technical advisor to build a road map to deploy the BWRX-300 SMRs at the six proposed sites in Poland. AtkinsRéalis says BWRX-300 SMR deployment in Poland will leverage an international and local supply chain backed up by nuclear talent from Canada to deliver a project with the highest standards in safety and quality.
