US NuScale Power and Poland’s KGHM Polska Miedz (KGHM) have signed an agreement to initiate the deployment of NuScale’s small modular reactor (SMR) technology.
NuScale said the agreement with KGHM, a Poland-based leader in copper and silver production and large industrial energy user, will position KGHM as a clean energy implementation leader with the first deployment of SMRs in Poland. NuScale will work with KGHM to support the deployment of SMR technology, and together, the organisations will take steps toward deploying a first NuScale VOYGR power plant in Poland as early as 2029.
The first task under the agreement will identify and assess potential project sites and develop project planning milestones and cost estimates. These activities will support KGHM as it evaluates NuScale VOYGR plants as a coal repurposing solution for existing power plants, as well as opportunities to deploy VOYGR plants to provide, carbon-free, reliable energy for their operations and to support other Polish industrial energy users.
KGHM and NuScale began their collaboration in September 2021, after the two parties signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to collaborate in the development, licensing and construction of a NuScale VOYGR plant in Poland. “This new commercial agreement marks a significant milestone in NuScale’s progress towards commercialisation and advancing clean, reliable, and affordable energy in Poland,” NuScale said.
“In the global race to rapidly decrease emissions worldwide, NuScale’s technology presents the perfect solution to reach this goal while simultaneously bringing economic prosperity to host countries,” said NuScale Power President and CEO John Hopkins. "We are always thrilled when we see US companies furthering our country's energy leadership by advancing our innovative technologies for global applications," said Andrew Griffith, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Nuclear Fuel Cycle and Supply Chain.
“KGHM is proud to lead the initiation of a 100% carbon free energy project, delivering on its commitment to lead efforts to decarbonize. The SMR technology will increase the company's cost efficiency and transform the Polish energy sector,” said Marcin Chludzinski, President of the Management Board of KGHM Polska Miedz S.A.
In August 2020, NuScale became the first and only SMR to receive design approval from the US Nuclear Regulatory Commission – a crucial step towards the construction and deployment of this SMR technology.
John Hopkins, NuScale Power President and Chief Executive Officer and Marcin Chludzinski, President of the Management Board of KGHM Polska Miedz S.A. (Photo: Business Wire)
