Poland: KGHM applies for approval of SMR project

Poland is turning to nuclear power to diversify its energy sources and reduce carbon emissions. Two modular nuclear power plant projects are being developed by KGHM and Orlen Synthos Green Energy, with the support of the Polish government.

Partagez:

Polish mining giant KGHM filed a preliminary decision application to build a large-scale nuclear power plant in Poland on April 14. This decision is the first step in the process of obtaining administrative permits for investments in nuclear facilities in Poland.

According to KGHM, this preliminary decision is “an expression of the state’s support for the realization of a given project and allows the investor to apply for a number of subsequent administrative decisions, such as the location decision or the construction permit, among others.” The company did not provide additional details on the progress of the ongoing administrative proceedings.

KGHM is part of the VOYGR nuclear power plant project in Poland

In February 2022, KGHM signed a definitive agreement with NuScale Power of the United States to deploy the first NuScale VOYGR SMR nuclear power plant in Poland as early as 2029. In July, KGHM submitted an application to the Polish National Atomic Energy Agency (NAEA) to evaluate NuScale’s SMR technology and prepare a site survey. Under a contract signed in September, NuScale will continue to support KGHM’s application to the NAEA by writing additional preliminary safety analysis reports and coordinating with the agency. The contract also provides for the subsequent tasks of the preliminary work agreement proposed by NuScale to KGHM.

The VOYGR nuclear power plant project that Poland will develop in cooperation with NuScale will consist of six modules, each with an installed capacity of 77 MWe. NuScale’s SMR technology was the first to receive approval from the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission in August 2020. KGHM aims to diversify its energy sources. By 2030, 50% of the electricity used by KGHM will come from its own sources, including nuclear and renewable energy.

Objective of diversifying energy sources in Poland

At the same time, the Polish government also supports the development of SMR. On April 17, Orlen Synthos Green Energy announced that it has shortlisted seven sites in Poland for additional geological studies to host SMR plants based on GE Hitachi Nuclear Energy’s BWRX-300 technology.

Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki said that “our future depends on a prudent program of nuclear power construction in Poland, the future of the energy sector in Poland, but also the future of industry and economic development. He also pointed out that the installation of an SMR would save 100 to 200 million euros per year on CO2 emissions

  • Populaires ​
Global microgrid market to reach 191 billion dollars by 2033
Wood Mackenzie forecasts $1.35 trillion for CCUS and carbon credits markets
Google signs world’s first fusion energy purchase agreement
France Officially Launches Its First Floating Wind Farm in the Mediterranean
Brno rejects EDF lawsuit over Czech nuclear contract
World Bank resumes nuclear financing after decades of absence
After several decades without funding nuclear projects, the World Bank has formed a strategic partnership with the IAEA to provide technical and financial support to countries integrating nuclear energy into their energy strategies.
Seoul approves definitive decommissioning of South Korea’s first nuclear reactor
South Korea's Nuclear Safety and Security Commission officially validates the decommissioning of reactor number one at the Kori plant, initiating an unprecedented project for the national industry scheduled to last until 2037.
EnCore Energy raises uranium output and hails Texas nuclear reforms
Uranium producer enCore Energy surpasses three thousand pounds per day at its Alta Mesa ISR complex and sees three new Texas laws as a strong signal for faster nuclear production permits.
IAEA Confirms Concerns About Iranian Enriched Uranium Stockpile
The International Atomic Energy Agency expresses concerns over Iran’s enriched uranium stockpiles following the abrupt suspension of inspections at key sites disrupted by recent attacks whose consequences remain uncertain.
India: NPCIL extends deadline to September 30 for BSR reactor proposals
NPCIL has announced an extension until September 30 for industrial proposals concerning Bharat Small Reactors (BSR), following increased interest from the Indian private sector.
EDF anticipates immediate reduction in nuclear output amid heatwave
Facing rising temperatures, EDF anticipates cuts in nuclear production starting early July, primarily due to thermal constraints on rivers used for cooling the power plants.
Fortum selects Westinghouse to study an AP1000 reactor in Finland
The preliminary agreement launches planning and site assessment for a tailored AP1000 reactor, following two years of feasibility study, and enlists Westinghouse and Hyundai to support Fortum’s regional nuclear expansion.
United States: Unprecedented firing of nuclear regulator sparks intense controversy
Donald Trump's unprecedented decision to dismiss Christopher Hanson, a member of the NRC, provokes outrage among former federal officials and raises concerns over the regulatory independence of the U.S. nuclear sector.
Uranium Energy Corp acquires 170 million shares of Anfield Energy Inc.
Uranium Energy Corp strengthens its position in Anfield Energy Inc., now holding approximately 32.4% of the company’s shares following an investment of CAD19.55mn ($14.82mn), significantly expanding its strategic influence in the uranium market.
New York launches major nuclear project to secure its energy supply
New York State plans an advanced nuclear power plant with a 1-gigawatt capacity to meet long-term energy and economic goals, involving significant investment to enhance regional energy independence.
Orano challenges Niger’s decision to nationalize mining company SOMAÏR
Niger announces its intention to nationalize SOMAÏR, a mining company jointly owned with Orano, provoking strong opposition from the French company and paving the way for further international legal tensions.
Russia and Mali Sign Trade Agreements and Target Nuclear Energy
Russia strengthens its economic presence in Mali with new agreements, notably in nuclear energy and gold refining, consolidating strategic cooperation within a rapidly evolving geopolitical context.
United States releases additional $100 mn to restart Palisades Nuclear Plant
The US government grants a fourth payment of $100.45 mn to Holtec International to restart the Palisades Nuclear Plant, pending regulatory approval, marking an unprecedented event in the United States.
EDF secures £4.5 billion from Apollo to finance Hinkley Point C
EDF announces a major agreement with Apollo to raise up to £4.5 billion via bonds to finance the British nuclear project Hinkley Point C, whose costs continue to rise significantly.
France: Anne-Isabelle Étienvre Proposed by Élysée to Head the CEA
The Élysée proposes Anne-Isabelle Étienvre, current Director of Fundamental Research at the CEA, as General Administrator to replace François Jacq, recently appointed President of CNES.
Greece Considers Modular Reactors to Decarbonize its Maritime Industry
Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis has announced his country's interest in small modular nuclear reactors to meet national energy challenges and decarbonize the maritime sector within the next fifteen years.
TerraPower raises $650 million with NVIDIA for modular reactors
TerraPower, an American nuclear company, secures $650 million funding from investors, including NVIDIA, to develop its Natrium modular reactors in the United States and internationally.
EDF and the French State Agree on €70 Billion Plan for EPR2
EDF and the French state finalize a €70 billion financing plan for six EPR2 nuclear reactors, including a specific territorial coordination framework in Gravelines led by Michel Marbaix, awaiting European approval by 2026.
Newcleo and Nextchem launch joint venture focused on modular nuclear reactors
Maire S.p.A and Newcleo form strategic partnership to industrialise the development of 200 MW modular nuclear power plants, via a joint venture majority-owned by Nextchem.
Four European organisations join forces to develop innovative nuclear reactor
A new European consortium launches the design of a small lead-cooled modular reactor, targeting global commercialisation by 2039, with a demonstration scheduled as early as 2035.

LEGAL

FOSSILS

POLICY

RENEWABLE

PLUS

© XMARKET PUBLISHING

Welcome

Your subscription

Included in this subscription:

COMMUNICATE ON ENERGYNEWS