Polish industrial companies join forces for the use of small reactors: New Nuclear

June 29, 2021

The Polish chemical group Synthos and the petrochemical company PKN Orlen have agreed to collaborate on micromodular reactors (MMRs) and small modular reactors (SMRs). Under an agreement announced today, the two companies will jointly conduct research and examine the feasibility of using such reactors in Orlen’s production facilities in Poland.

(Image: Pixabay)

Orlen said it would have access to SMR technology and experience, while Synthos would gain a “solid partner” to jointly develop small nuclear power plants in Poland.

“The agreement will pave the way for the possible future creation of a joint venture between the two groups to develop zero-emission energy projects,” Orlen said. “Fulfilling the goals set in the agreement will further the Orlen Group’s strategic goal of achieving CO2 neutrality by 2050, while at the same time improving Poland’s energy security.

“We are open to innovative solutions that would increase the value of the Orlen Group in the coming years and consolidate its position as the leading energy transition in Central Europe,” said Daniel Obajtek, President of PKN Orlen.

“As we are aware of the great potential of SMRs, we have decided to sign the cooperation agreement announced today with Synthos. We see SMRs as a potential source of energy both for our own refineries and petrochemical operations and for third parties. SMRs would also provide process heat and support the pursuit of the Orlen Group’s hydrogen strategy. In developing SMR technologies, we have the opportunity to secure an emission-free source of energy, but also to strengthen Poland’s economy and energy security. “

Synthos President Zbigniew Warmuz added: “Thanks to the agreement just signed between the Orlen Group and Synthos, Poland has the opportunity to secure cutting-edge technologies for emission-free nuclear energy. Their commitment is for both companies and the Polish industry in general is faced with the challenge of reducing greenhouse gas emissions without affecting the competitive position of Polish companies in European and global markets.

“Small modular reactors represent a decarbonization option that, as a complement to renewable energies, will ensure the security of electricity and heat supply for both industrial applications and potentially for district heating and the creation of a number of modern jobs.”

In 2019 Synthos Green Energy – part of the Synthos Group – signed a cooperation agreement with GE Hitachi Nuclear Energy (GEH) for the construction of the BWRX-300 reactor in Poland. The BWRX-300 is a 300 MWe water-cooled natural circulation SMR with passive safety systems based on GEH’s US-licensed, economical simplified boiling water reactor with 1520 MWe. In October last year, Synthos entered into a regulatory dialogue with the Polish National Atomic Energy Agency about the possibility of building the BWRX-300 in Poland with the support of the US utility Exelon Generation, GEH and the Finnish Fortum Power and Heat Oy.

Synthos announced in December 2020 that it had completed a feasibility study for the deployment of a fleet of GEH BWRX-300 SMRs in Poland. The study, produced by Exelon, includes the analysis of key aspects of SMR technology implementation, including cost issues, human resources, regulatory and safety issues, construction models, and operational issues.

In November 2020, Synthos also signed a collaboration agreement with Ultra Safe Nuclear Corporation, which is developing the high-temperature gas-cooled MMR. USNC and Synthos jointly applied to the Polish Ministry of Development for funding from the IPCEI (Important Projects of Common European Interest) mechanism for projects in the value chain of hydrogen technologies and systems. The aim of the joint project is to develop an economically efficient, emission-free high-temperature heat and power source for the production of hydrogen on an industrial scale.

Researched and written by World Nuclear News