Japan’s Toshiba Energy Systems & Solutions Corporation (Toshiba ESS) and its affiliate, Toshiba International (Europe) Ltd (TIL), have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Poland’s Rockfin and EthosEnergy to explore collaboration in equipment supply and maintenance services for Poland’s first NPP. Rockfin is a manufacturer of auxiliary equipment for steam turbines and generators (STGs), and EthosEnergy Poland a provider of maintenance services.
Toshiba ESS and TIL recently initiated another step to advance the project and establish a supply chain in Poland by closing collaborative arrangements with Rockfin and EthosEnergy. The next step will include detailed discussions between the four parties on the scope of collaboration.
The Polish authorities intend to build six nuclear power units within 20 years. Starting in 2033, it is planned to start launching power units with a capacity of 1-1.6 GWe every two to three years to generate from 6-9 GWe. The aim is for the first unit to begin operation in 2033.
In June 2022, Toshiba ESS and its US affiliate, Toshiba America Energy Systems Company agreed with Bechtel to collaborate on the supply of steam turbines and generators for the NPP. In November 2022, the Polish government selected Westinghouse AP1000 reactor technology for construction at the Lubiatowo-Kopalino site in the Choczewo municipality in Pomerania. The construction is expected to cost about $20bn.
An agreement setting a plan for the delivery of the plant was signed in May 2023 by Westinghouse, Bechtel and Polish utility Polskie Elektrownie Jądrowe (PEJ). Under a subsequent engineering services agreement with PEJ, Westinghouse and Bechtel will finalise a site-specific design for a plant featuring three AP1000 reactors. The contract also involves supporting the investment process in line with current legal regulations. The Ministry of Climate & Environment in July issued a decision-in-principle for PEJ to construct the plant.
Commenting on the Polish project, Shinya Fujitsuka, Director and Vice President of Toshiba ESS, said, “We are delighted to announce the signing of an MoU with Rockfin and EthosEnergy, and in doing so creating a strong potential collaboration for Poland’s first nuclear project. We are dedicated to contributing to energy sustainability, enhanced energy security, and to protecting the global environment through our nuclear energy business.” Rockfin said the partnership “is a significant step forward in the implementation of the new Polish AP1000 nuclear project in Lubiatowo-Kopalina”. It added: “This collaboration highlights our shared commitment to innovation and excellence in the nuclear sector. We are excited to leverage our combined strengths to drive significant progress and deliver sustainable energy solutions for Poland’s future.”
