MINEX Forum

Tag: Small Modular Reactors (SMRs)

  • Poland and Canada Sign Crucial Nuclear Energy Cooperation Agreement

    Poland and Canada Sign Crucial Nuclear Energy Cooperation Agreement

    The recent signing of a historic cooperation agreement between the governments of Poland and Canada marks a significant milestone for the development of nuclear energy in Poland. This agreement, formalized during Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s visit to Warsaw on January 28, 2025, is set to play a key role in the construction of a fleet of BWRX-300 reactors in Poland, a cutting-edge technology developed by GE Hitachi Nuclear Energy.

    The bilateral agreement between the Government of Canada and the Government of the Republic of Poland on cooperation in the peaceful uses of nuclear energy enables collaboration between the Polish and Canadian nuclear industries, particularly in the field of BWRX-300 modular nuclear reactors. The agreement is also necessary in the entire process of importing nuclear technologies to Poland.

    During a joint press conference, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau emphasized: “The development of artificial intelligence, data centers, innovative technologies for our economies will require more energy in the coming decades. Canada is ready to be a trusted partner of Poland and our other allies in the supply of uranium, technology to support research and development, which will ensure a secure future in electricity generation.”

    Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk highlighted the importance of the partnership, stating: “Cooperation with Canada is very important to us when it comes to SMRs. Canada is the world leader here. We hope that what you have already started to build in Darlington will become a reality and this fact will enable Poland to develop this technology.”

    Tusk’s reference to Darlington pertains to the construction of the world’s first BWRX-300 reactor, which is being built in the suburbs of Toronto. The construction is being carried out by Ontario Power Generation, which maintains close collaboration with OSGE.

    Rafał Kasprów, President of the Management Board of OSGE, provided context for the agreement’s significance: “The Nuclear Cooperation Agreement concluded today between Poland and Canada is a strategic agreement enabling the transfer of the latest American nuclear SMR technologies, including the BWRX-300 technology of the American industrial giant General Electric, and the transfer of experience from the construction of such reactors in Canada, where in mid-March this year a permit will be issued enabling the construction of the first four SMRs in the same technology as Orlen Synthos Green Energy will be used built a fleet of reactors in Poland – and thus will allow to provide energy for the economy, energy security and a civilizational leap related to meeting the demand for energy generated by data centers and AI.”

  • Designs chosen for mini nuclear reactors

    Designs chosen for mini nuclear reactors

    The government has selected designs from six companies for the development of the next generation of mini nuclear reactors. EDF, GE-Hitachi Nuclear Energy International LLC, Holtec Britain Limited, NuScale Power, Rolls Royce, and Westinghouse Electric Company UK Limited have been chosen to proceed to the next phase of the Small Modular Reactor (SMR) competition. This initiative is part of the government’s plan to derive up to a quarter of the UK’s electricity from nuclear power by 2050.

    SMRs, being smaller in size compared to conventional nuclear reactors, can be manufactured in factories, resulting in faster and more cost-effective construction. The government and Great British Nuclear have deemed these selected designs as the most capable of delivering operational SMRs by the mid-2030s.

    In the upcoming stage, the companies will have the opportunity to bid for government contracts. Successful bids from the six companies will proceed to the contract award stage in the summer of next year.

    Claire Coutinho, the Energy Security Secretary, emphasized the benefits of Small Modular Reactors in rapidly expanding nuclear power in the UK. She highlighted that SMRs will contribute to delivering cheaper, cleaner, and more secure energy for both households and businesses, while also creating well-paid, high-skilled jobs and fostering economic growth. This competition has attracted designs from around the world, positioning the UK at the forefront of the global race in developing this cutting-edge technology and solidifying its status as a leader in nuclear innovation.

    Gwen Parry-Jones, the CEO of Great British Nuclear, expressed the significance of this announcement in advancing the government’s objective of bolstering nuclear power in the country. The priority throughout this process has been to prioritize reliable and sustainable power supply to the grid at an early stage. Therefore, the initial focus was on technologies that were deemed most likely to achieve a final investment decision by 2029. The selected companies can now prepare for the subsequent stages of the competition, with the aim of reaching a final contract agreement in the summer. They may potentially benefit from significant support from public funds.

    Through these advancements, the UK is taking significant strides towards realizing its nuclear power goals, ensuring a reliable and sustainable energy future.