Poland reaches agreement with Westinghouse for the implementation of the first AP1000 nuclear reactors.
A nuclear agreement
Poland seeks Westinghouse to build the first nuclear reactor with Polskie Elektrownie Jądrowe. This agreement defines the main principles and the process for the first Polish reactors. Thus, the agreement provides for site development, licensing and building permit support.
In addition, the contract also provides for development services, procurement, and future project delivery contracts. In addition, a second agreement could be reached before mid-2023 for the design of the future power plant in Pomerania. The decision is aimed at obtaining safe and reliable energy, while contributing to the reduction of emissions.
In Poland, the construction of these first nuclear reactors is part of the government’s current policy. The country had been considering a civilian nuclear program for several years. Russia’s invasion of Ukraine is the trigger for the implementation of this policy.
Multiple projects
Today, Poland plans to host three nuclear sites, each with three reactors. They would provide about 30% of the country’s energy mix for a maximum power of about 15GW. The AP1000 is the only Generation III+ reactor with fully passive safety systems.
The Westinghouse AP1000 reactor features a modular construction design. In addition, it has the smallest footprint per MWe on the market. Two AP1000 units are being completed at the Vogtle site in the United States.
In addition, four other units are operational in China and four others are under construction. Other units are being studied at other sites in Central and Eastern Europe. Finally, other projects are being developed in the United Kingdom and the United States.
