Polish data centers to join forces with SMR sector – OSGE and PLDCA establish a joint working group

ORLEN Synthos Green Energy (OSGE) and the Polish Data Center Association (PLDCA) have entered into a strategic partnership, forming a working group dedicated to securing energy supplies for data centers with Small Modular Reactors (SMRs). The primary objective of this collaboration is to develop a comprehensive strategy for leveraging nuclear energy from SMRs to meet the rapidly increasing demand for reliable, stable power and to support the decarbonization goals of the data center industry.

Growing Energy Challenges in the Data Center Sector

The Polish data center sector is expanding at a remarkable pace, currently reaching nearly 200 MW of operational capacity and maintaining an annual growth rate of almost 20% since 2020. Major global cloud service providers — including Google Cloud, Amazon Web Services and Microsoft Azure — are expanding their presence in Poland. The local data center ecosystem is rapidly growing as well. In Warsaw. Microsoft has launched the first data processing region in Central and Eastern Europe and the company continues to invest in infrastructure, positioning Poland as a key technology hub in that part of Europe.

According to forecasts by PMR Market Experts and PSE SA (power transmission system operator), the power demand of Polish data centers may reach 500 MW by 2030 and the sector could require as much as 1063 MW by 2034, with energy consumption projected at 9,3 TWh. The advancement of artificial intelligence is significantly intensifying these requirements.

This dynamic growth brings significant challenges. The Polish data center sector must secure sources of available and stable electricity and meets sustainability requirements at the same time. Many companies set more ambitious environmental targets than those established by the EU’s climate policy, striving for climate neutrality and substantial reductions in CO₂ emissions.

Strategic Synergy Between Data Centers and SMRs

Earlier this year, OSGE signed a pledge to triple nuclear capacity by 2050 at the CERAWeek energy conference in Houston.  This strategic declaration was also joined by major data center market players such as Amazon, Google and Meta.

“We see a strong synergy between data centers, artificial intelligence, and small modular reactors. Technology giants are investing billions of dollars in these technologies to secure delivery of clean, safe electricity which is essential for the sector’s development. We are ready to answer to these demands and deliver based on the fleet of the GE Vernova Hitachi BWRX-300 reactors,” said Rafał Kasprów, CEO of OSGE.

Another area of synergy between SMRs and data centers is district heating. The integration of the BWRX-300 reactors with data centers can provide significant heat supplies and support the decarbonization of Poland’s district heating sector — the largest in Europe. Such initiatives prove that Poland, leveraging its expertise and experience in developing modern energy sources, can play a pivotal role in transforming the entire European data center sector.

“Access to clean, safe energy is now a strategic growth driver for the data center industry and the entire AI ecosystem. As a leader in SMR project implementation in Europe, Poland has a real opportunity to become a hub for innovative technology investments. Collaboration between data centre operators and SMR developers offers zero-emission energy to meet growing digital needs, while also providing the potential to utilise so-called waste heat in decarbonising district heating — a model that could be replicated in other countries in the region. Current actions and dialogue among key stakeholders can set a new standard for sustainable development in the European data center industry,” commented Piotr Kowalski, Managing Director of PLDCA.

Strategic objectives of the cooperation

The increasing energy consumption of data centers — in view of climate challenges and increasing clients’ expectations in the area of sustainable development — has become a critical issue for the entire sector. Innovative, low-emission energy sources that can meet the growing needs of IT infrastructure are therefore gaining strategic importance. In this context, the integration of advanced data center development with SMRs technology opens new perspectives for both energy transformation and strengthening Poland’s competitive edge in the European market.

The development of data centers and nuclear energy are key pillars for maintaining and enhancing the competitiveness of the Polish economy in the era of digitalisation and AI revolution. Securing access to stable supplies of clean energy is crucial for positioning Poland as an attractive destination for technology investments in the coming decades.

The main goal of the PLDCA and OSGE working group is to develop a white paper outlining the potential for cooperation between the data center sector and SMR developers; the benefits of joint initiatives, but also possible challenges. The document will include an analysis of the technological aspects of both sectors, identify areas of synergy, and provide recommendations for potential legislative and deregulatory changes to accelerate collaboration between the two industries.

The results of the PLDCA and OSGE working group may be presented to government authorities to support the implementation of projects combining these two areas in the future.

About OSGE

ORLEN Synthos Green Energy (OSGE) is established by ORLEN S.A. and Synthos Green Energy S.A. The company plays a leading role in the deployment of modular nuclear reactors in Poland, aiming to contribute to the effective decarbonization of the power generation, heating and industrial sectors. OSGE’s mission is to build a fleet of BWRX-300 reactors designed by GE Hitachi Nuclear Energy, which will become an essential part of the country’s energy mix, providing households and industry with stable, zero-carbon electricity. For more information, visit www.osge.com and X (Twitter) platform @ORLEN_Synthos and LinkedIn.

About the PLDCA

The Polish Data Centre Association (PLDCA) represents the Polish data center sector and brings together nearly 60 entities from across the industry’s value chain — from data center owners and operators, through engineering firms, to technology companies, integrators, and general contractors. The association strengthens the potential of the Polish data center market, educates stakeholders, and creates new jobs through cooperation with authorities, legislative initiatives, and the adoption of best practices from similar organisations in Europe. PLDCA defines infrastructure requirements conducive to achieving strategic business objectives, promotes development and investment, and supports the sustainable, responsible growth of the sector. More: www.pldca.pl

Media Contacts

OSGE
Mariusz Ilnicki
+48 668 48 36 73
mariusz.ilnicki@osge.com

PLDCA
Arkadiusz Lorenc
+48 538 113 774
arkadiusz.lorenc@linkleaders.pl