The collaboration between the Łukasiewicz Research Network and Orlen Synthos Green Energy (OSGE) is expected to be broad and encompass research, development, and commercialisation of technologies related to small modular nuclear reactors (SMRs). OSGE is implementing a programme to build BWRX-300 reactors designed by GE Vernova Hitachi Nuclear Energy (GVH).
The collaboration will include the construction and equipment of a training centre. For this purpose, the Łukasiewicz Research Network will provide specialised scientific and technical staff to 22 institutes associated with the network. These institutes possess laboratory and research infrastructure, as well as the expertise necessary for nuclear energy.
The nuclear energy training centre will support the development of personnel for the safe operation of the fleet of BWRX-300 SMR reactors planned by Orlen Synthos Green Energy (OSGE). The centre will also serve as a key hub for information, training, and educational programmes. Its business operations will be focused not only on the needs of Polish entities but also on the European market.
The agreement was signed at the Łukasiewicz Institute of Electrical Engineering headquarters in Warsaw’s Wawer district, where the training centre is planned to be built.
“Building a fleet of BWRX 300 reactors in Poland is an undertaking of unprecedented scale,” said Bartosz Fijałkowski, Vice President of OSGE. “This is a process that requires not only the highest technological and safety standards, but above all, competent personnel. Therefore, the commitment and support of the Łukasiewicz Network institutes is crucial to us. Their research experience, expertise, and educational opportunities constitute the foundation upon which we will jointly develop a highly qualified workforce for the new Polish energy sector.
“We see this partnership as a real opportunity to train specialists, validate and certify technologies in accordance with international safety standards, and create innovations that will strengthen the Polish economy. Together, we want to build a lasting ecosystem of competencies that will enable the efficient and responsible implementation of our nuclear programme and support the country’s energy transformation.”
Hubert Cichocki, president of the Łukasiewicz Centre, added: “Our partnership covers seven areas. It includes not only the construction of a training centre and an SMR simulator, but also research and development aimed at commercialisation, qualification, and certification of the infrastructure. This approach allows us to leverage the potential of all 22 institutes of the Łukasiewicz Research Network.
“We must leverage existing infrastructure to effectively implement the energy transition. That’s why I’m pleased that we can offer our business partner not only the expertise of our scientists and engineers, but also the Łukasiewicz-IEL site, which is ready for such a project. Together with the MARIA [research] reactor in Świerk, they will create a local innovation ecosystem.”
In December 2021 GE Hitachi, BWXT Canada and Synthos Green Energy (SGE) – part of the Synthos Group – signed a Letter of Intent to cooperate in deploying BWRX-300 SMRs in Poland. OSGE – a joint venture between chemical producers SGE and PKN Orlen – plans to deploy a fleet of 24 BWRX-300 reactors in Poland. It has begun development at three separate sites and aims to complete the first unit by 2032.
GVH’s first BWRX-300 is under construction at Ontario Power Generation’s Darlington site in Canada, with completion expected by the end of the decade.
