Westinghouse and Bechtel continue Polish nuclear project with new agreement

Polskie Elektrownie Jądrowe signed a new agreement with the Westinghouse-Bechtel consortium to ensure the continuity of the development of Poland’s first nuclear power plant project.

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Polskie Elektrownie Jądrowe (PEJ) and the consortium formed by Westinghouse Electric Company and Bechtel Corporation have signed a new Engineering Development Agreement (EDA) aimed at continuing the preparatory works for the nuclear power plant project in Poland. The signing took place in Warsaw in the presence of Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk and US Energy Secretary Chris Wright, according to World Nuclear News on April 28.

A new cooperation framework for the AP1000 project

This new agreement follows the expiration in March of the previous Engineering Services Contract (ESC) signed in September 2023. The ESC aimed to finalise the site-specific design for the Lubiatowo-Kopalino site, located in the Choczewo municipality, Pomerania region, for a plant consisting of three AP1000 reactors. The first AP1000 reactor is expected to begin commercial operation in 2033.

The new EDA, which will cover the next nine months, introduces adjustments such as an evolution of the remuneration model, a strengthening of the investor’s control over contract execution, and new procedures for the acceptance of deliverables. PEJ stated that these changes stem from lessons learned during the execution of the ESC.

Progress on works and preparation for next phases

The scope of the new agreement includes the continuation of preparatory, geotechnical, and engineering studies, the advancement of the technical design works of the plant, as well as ongoing cooperation for obtaining permits and developing the supply chain.

“We have reached an agreement based on solid foundations, a well-thought-out structure, and a clear division of responsibilities,” said Piotr Piela, Acting President of PEJ. He specified that this agreement ensures cost control and risk management related to scheduling.

Craig Albert, President and Chief Operating Officer of Bechtel Corporation, emphasised the company’s commitment to leading the next phases of the project, particularly advanced geological surveys and site engineering. Dan Lipman, President of Westinghouse Energy Systems, affirmed that this project would contribute to the Polish economy by generating investments worth several billion zlotys and creating thousands of jobs.

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