Nuclearelectrica and KGHM Polska Miedz have signed MoU for cooperation in the development of small modular reactors

Nuclearelectrica and KGHM Polska Miedz announce the signing of a non-binding Memorandum of Understanding for the development of small modular reactor (SMR) projects, at the during the Economic Forum in Karpacz, Poland, on September 6th.

The cooperation between Nuclearelectrica and KGHM Polska Miedz, 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,” said Cosmin Ghita, Chief Executive Officer, SN Nuclearelectrica SA

„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.