OSGE AT THE ECONOMIC FORUM IN KARPACZ

“The benefits to the economy and local communities of investing in a small nuclear reactors” – was the title of a panel discussion at the XXII Economic Forum in Karpacz, of which OSGE was a partner. A report on the subject prepared by KPMG premiered during the panel.

Moderator:

Jacek Pochłopień, Editor, Dziennik Gazeta Prawna

Panelists:

Dawid Jackiewicz, Vice President, ORLEN Synthos Green Energy, Poland

Marek Wojtkowski, President of Włocławek, Poland

Lucjusz Nadbereżny, President of Stalowa Wola, Poland

Wojciech Hann, Senior Advisor, KPMG, Poland

Robert Rudich, Energy Attaché, Department of Energy, USA.

Nicole Holmes, Chief Commercial Officer, GE Hitachi Nuclear Energy, USA.

Dawid Jackiewicz, Vice President of Orlen Synthos Green Energy, noted the huge format of the informational campaign that had been implemented and what a vast amount of work the company had to do to reach the place where it is. This work is due to Poland is newcomer as regards nuclear energy. This will be the second such reactor, the first – in Canada. The OSGE’s  Vice President noted the desire to follow Canadian company which works on the first unit of BWRX-300. He also informed that the company is allowed to use its Canadian partners patents and the plan is to “put electricity to the grid” in 2029.

The program for a dozen years is expected to amount to PLN 100 billion. Dawid Jackiewicz noted that building fleet of SMRs will create many jobs in Poland. A contract has been signed with universities to educate necessary personnel, who after that will undergo two-years practical training at the European Training Center which OSGE plans to build in Poland.

Wojciech Hann of KPMG summarized the contents of the report, which focuses on the benefits of SMRs. He presented calculations of the benefits of SMR investments. The result of building one small modular reactor using the GEH BWRX-300 technology is an annual impact of several million PLN, up to PLN 12 million will go to municipalities. Wojciech Hann noted that this is an interesting and ambitious program and complements the government’s program of full scale nuclear power plants.

Robert Rudich of the U.S. Embassy (Energy Attache) pointed out that his country now has 93 operating reactors, which have proven over decades to be reliable and safe. Mr. Rudich spoke of possible 15-30% savings if construction replaces coal power plant – these are the best-equipped sites, with qualified personnel according to Robert Rudich.

Nicole Holmes, who represents GE Hitachi Nuclear Energy, spoke about people’s concerns about the safety of SMRs. She recounted that she is often asked if she would live next to a power plant. The answer was – I do and I feel safe.

Marek Wojtkowski – the President of Włocławek – added that he is aware of the existence of public concerns, but pointed out that it is natural. That’s why the dialogue with local communities is important. The President noted that he hopes the project will succeed, stressing that it is important for his city and means a great opportunity, as the benefits will not only be financial. The heat as a by-product of the plant can be used by the city.

President of Stalowa Wola Lucjusz Nadbereżny referred to the city’s history. He mentioned the huge area of 1,000 hectares earmarked for the project. The President said that we are in a unique time in history, resulting from the COVID pandemia and war in Ukraine, which reset the thinking that we are a global village. He also spoke about the stimulation of the local community by the project, pointing out that if the city does not implement the project, the SMR will be built somewhere else, even next door, making the city not feel such financial benefits. Postponing the project does not work in favor of it.

David Jackiewicz said that one of the problems may be the insufficient number of specialists, so an agreement with leading technical universities has been made. He also noted that the project is being carried out in full transparency and  representatives of the sector and OSGE are able to answer all questions, and they have nothing to hide. He also noted that the introduction of nuclear power plants will be a turning point for the Polish economy. It is an opportunity to grow industry in Poland.

Source: The Economic Forum