During the Economic Forum in Karpacz, KGHM and Romanian Nuclearelectrica SA signed a memorandum of cooperation in the development of projects for small modular reactors (SMRs).
On Tuesday, during the Economic Forum in Karpacz, KGHM and Romanian Nuclearelectrica SA (a state-owned electricity, heat and nuclear fuel company operating under the Ministry of Energy) announced the signing of a non-binding memorandum of cooperation on the development of small modular reactor (SMR) projects. . As emphasized by KGHM, the cooperation is aimed at the exchange of experience and know-how.
“Breakthrough in the Polish economy”
- For KGHM, nuclear means energy independence and lower costs. Investing in SMR is a priority and will also enable us to maintain a competitive edge in our business globally. The introduction of innovative nuclear power technology based on small modules is a breakthrough in the Polish economy. Cooperation with an experienced partner from Romania is a significant support for this project. - said Marcin Chludzinski, Chairman of the Board of KGHM Polska Miedź SA.
- International interest in the development of small modular reactors is directly proportional to the interest of countries in ensuring energy security and achieving decarbonization goals, taking into account the innovative features of this technology: modularity and flexibility, which directly affect cost reduction and shortening of the project development time. With over 25 years of experience in the safe operation of its own nuclear power plant, Romania is the first European country to initiate the development of the NuScale SMR project, the only internationally certified SMR technology. We are delighted to be able to collaborate and share our experiences and insights, and support KGHM in its first steps towards a safe, clean and innovative technology. said Cosmin Gita, CEO of SN Nuclearelectrica SA.
The MoU between both parties includes an integrated approach to all SMR project development activities, from site selection to station decommissioning, to develop reliable, safe and cost-effective SMR projects in Romania and Poland.
KGHM notes that Poland and Romania are the first two countries to “combine the pursuit of energy independence with one of the most advanced technologies in nuclear power, the innovative NuScale small modular reactor technology.” - Romania and Poland will enhance their energy security with a safe, stable and affordable source of clean energy while achieving their decarbonization goals. - we read in the KGHM message.
The project, which Romania is implementing in cooperation with NuScale, will consist of 6 modules, each with an installed capacity of 77 MW, for a total of 462 MW, and will create 193 permanent jobs at the plant, 1,500 jobs in construction, 2,300 jobs in manufacturing and will allow Romania to avoid the release of 4 million tons of CO2 into the atmosphere per year.
SMR technology by 2030?
KGHM, together with NuScale, intends to bring SMR technology to Poland this decade. The first power plant is to provide clean energy to the copper company’s manufacturing plants. KGHM has already submitted an application to the National Atomic Energy Agency for technology assessment and preparation of a site study. To this end, work is underway to create in Poland the MMR Control Room Simulator (Training Center - E2 Center) for training nuclear plant operators and specialists.
Source: Wprost
