Great benefits for local governments from BWRX-300 investment

More than 2,700 new jobs could be created by one BWRX-300 reactor deployed in Poland, while the total economic impact from the operation of such a power plant is estimated at PLN 24 billion. A report on the economic impact of the OSGE project was prepared by KPMG and presented at the Economic Forum in Karpacz.

Up to PLN 24 billion (EUR 5,5 bln) in gross value added, PLN 3 billion in salaries and 2 719 jobs could be generated for the national economy by the construction and operation of an SMR with BWRX-300 technology. This is the total estimated impact of a power plant with a single reactor of GE Hitachi technology. KPMG report was created on request of OSGE and presented during the Economic Forum in Karpacz. Orlen Synthos Green Energy (OSGE) intends to build a fleet of such reactors.

The debate titled “Benefits for the economy and local communities from investments in small nuclear” was attended by Wojciech Hann (KPMG), Nicole Holmes (GEH), Dawid Jackiewicz (OSGE), Lucjusz Nadbereżny (President of Stalowa Wola), Robert Rudich (Energy Attaché and Director, Department of Energy Office, US Embassy in Poland) and Marek Wojtkowski (President of Wloclawek).

Investments in small modular reactors create new jobs and generate extra salaries. Only one working unit means 737 jobs and PLN 746 million of gross value added each year, including PLN 73 million in wages.

“The construction of the BWRX-300 reactor fleet on the scale we assume will be one of the largest investment projects in Poland in recent decades. KPMG analyses show that it will not only benefit the Polish energy system, but the Polish economy will benefit measurably. Our investments will support the budgets of local governments but also have the potential to accelerate the development of local communities,” said Dawid Jackiewicz, Vice President of the OSGE Management Board.

Among the cities where OSGE plans to build small nuclear reactors are Włocławek and Stalowa Wola. The Włocławek plant may be built in the vicinity of the Anwil plant, while the Stalowa Wola site is in the Special Economic Zone.

“For an industrial city like Włocławek, having a source of clean, zero-emission energy is crucial – our future depends on it. The accelerating energy transition and the challenge of climate neutrality require us – local government officials – not to slow down in the process of sustainable development of our cities. That’s why investment in power plants based on SMR technology offers a real chance to build a strong and modern Włocławek,” said Marek Wojtkowski, President of Włocławek.

“I represent a unique city, a city created from nothing. Today, we want to continue the idea of the Central Industrial District (COP) and create the largest economic zone in Poland. It’s 1 000 hectares for strategic industries – from high-tech to defence industry, steel and metallurgy. For this, a stable source of emission-free energy is essential, which is why we want to build SMRs in Stalowa Wola,”  Lucjusz Nadbereżny, President of Stalowa Wola, said.

The report in question is intended to show what benefits the construction of power plants based on BWRX-300 technology will bring to the national economy and, in particular, to local communities. OSGE has so far announced seven locations where SMRs could be built. In the case of the first three – Włocławek, Ostrołęka and Stawy Monowskie – proceedings for an environmental decision have already been initiated by the General Director of Environmental Protection GDOŚ).

The small modular reactors that will be built by OSGE – as any investment – will also generate revenue from taxes first during the construction phase and then throughout the operation period. This is a major benefit for the municipalities and counties in which they will be located. KPMG estimates that a power plant with one reactor will generate PLN 88 million in PIT and PLN 155 million in CIT during its 60-year operation. Property tax will bring municipalities PLN 0,36 million a year, which will add up to 10 million PLN over 60 years.

According to KPMG’s analysis prepared on the basis of data from the US, Central European countries with nuclear power plants (the Czech Republic, Slovakia and Hungary were taken into account) and estimates by the International Atomic Energy Agency, experts employed at nuclear power plants can count on attractive salaries. They are 20-30% higher than the energy industry average. In the US, the annual earnings of nuclear power plant workers are in the range of USD 80 000 – 175 000.

“This is much more than the private companies project. This is a strategic agreement between the US and Poland. We have clear message from US President Joe Biden, who during his visit in Poland, told us: get it done! That’s why the US government is supporting the development of this project at all possible levels”, Robert Rudich, Energy Attache at the US Embassy in Warsaw, said.

The report can be downloaded here (English version available):