Nuclearelectrica and KGHM Polska Miedz MoU on SMR Development
SN Nuclearelectrica SA and KGHM Polska Miedz SA have signed a non-binding Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the development of small modular reactor (SMR) projects, during the Economic Forum in Karpacz, Poland, on September 6th.
The cooperation between SN Nuclearelectrica SA and KGHM Polska Miedz SA, within the framework of the Memorandum of Understanding, is aimed at the exchange of experience and know-how, with a duration of 36 months, in the technical, economic, legal, financial, and organisational fields for the development of small modular reactor projects to be developed by Romania and Poland.
“The international interest in the development of small modular reactors is directly proportional to the interest of countries in ensuring energy security and achieving decarbonisation targets, given the innovative characteristics of this technology: modularity and flexibility, having a direct impact on lower costs and lower development period. Romania, with more than 25 years of experience in the safe operation of its nuclear power plant, has initiated the development of a NuScale SMR project, the only SMR technology certified at international level. We are happy to collaborate and share our experience and lessons learned and support KGHM in their steps for deploying a safe, clean, and innovative technology,” Cosmin Ghita, Chief Executive Officer, SN Nuclearelectrica SA, stated.
„For KGHM, nuclear energy means energy independence and lower costs. The investment in SMRs is a priority and will also enable us to maintain our competitive business advantage on a global scale. The introduction of innovative nuclear energy technology, based on small modules, is a watershed event for the Polish economy. This cooperation with an experienced partner from Romania provides substantial support to the venture,” said Marcin Chludziński, President of the Management Board of KGHM Polska Miedź S.A.
The Memorandum of Understanding between the two parties involves a comprehensive approach to all activities in the development of an SMR project, from site selection to decommissioning, with the aim of developing robust, safe and cost-efficient SMR projects in Romania and Poland.
As two of the first countries to join the drive for energy independence with one of the most advanced nuclear energy technologies, NuScale’s innovative small modular reactor technology, Romania and Poland will strengthen their energy security with a secure, stable, affordable, and clean source of energy while achieving their decarbonisation goals.
The project that both Romania and Poland will develop, in cooperation with NuScale, will have 6 modules, each with an installed capacity of 77 MWe, 462 MWe, in total and will generate 193 permanent jobs in the plant, 1,500 construction jobs, 2,300 production jobs and will help Romania avoid the release of 4 million tonnes of CO2 per year into the atmosphere.
KGHM together with NuScale intends to implement the SMR technology in Poland, this decade. The first SMR in Poland will provide clean energy to the copper Company’s production units. In this respect, KGHM has already applied to the National Atomic Energy Agency to evaluate the technology and prepare a site study. At the same time, work is underway on the establishment in Poland of a Simulator of an SMR Control Room (Education Center – E2 Center) for the training of operators and nuclear specialists, as Romania will be developing as well.
About SN Nuclearelectrica SA
Romania’s Nuclearelectrica is the national electricity, heat and nuclear fuel producing company, operating under the authority of the Ministry of Energy, with the State holding 82.49% of the shares and other shareholders, 17.50%, after the company’s listing on the stock exchange in 2013.
CNE Cernavoda Branch, operates Units 1 and 2 of the Nucleaelectrive Power Plant at Cernavoda, and FCN Pitesti Branch is the nuclear fuel plant.
Nuclearelectrica plays a major role at national level, contributing more than 18% of the total national energy production with nuclear energy. Nuclear energy also plays a key role in achieving decarbonisation targets and ensuring the energy transition to a carbon-free economy, currently contributing 33% of total CO2-free energy production, and after strategic investment projects, this contribution will increase to 66% by 2030.
By 2030, nuclear energy will provide about 35% of the consumption needs by operating 4 CANDU nuclear units, avoid the release of 20,000,000 million tonnes of CO2/year, indirectly create about 19,000 jobs in the domestic supply chain, contribute to the development of education and research in nuclear and related fields. Through its investment projects, the Unit 1 Refurbishment, Units 3 and 4 Project, the Tritium Removal Facility, Cobalt 60 production, worth about 9 billion Euro, SNN becomes a pillar of decarbonisation while generating a multiple micro- and macro-economic development effect. SNN achieves these projects by raising a new generation of nuclear engineers, by retaining and training young people in Romania, by exploiting their potential.
About KGHM Polska Miedz SA
KGHM engages in the extracting and processing of valuable natural resources with the largest European deposits of copper ore located in the south-western part of Poland right in the heart of its catchment area. Owing to its vast experience, openness and constant improvement of competencies, the company has built a unique culture of teamwork ranking high on the international arena.
Knowledge-based experience in technologies and processes combined with employee competencies constitute the most precious resource of KGHM and provide the foundation of the company value. All this contributes to the growth of the company as an environmentally friendly, socially sensitive, and inclusive corporation.
Knowledge-based experience is also instrumental in discovering new sustainable methods of extracting and processing natural resources.
Source: press release
