Poland’s Industrial Development Agency (ARP – Agencja Rozwoju Przemysłu) and Orlen Synthos Green Energy (OSGE) have signed a letter of intent (LOI) to cooperate on the construction and operation of small modular reactors (SMRs) in Stalowa Wola. This project aims to deploy GE Vernova Hitachi’s BWRX-300 technology within the Strategic Investment Park (Euro-Park Stalowa Wola), part of the Tarnobrzeg Special Economic Zone managed by ARP.
The LOI is the starting point for developing an investment agreement between ARP as the entity managing the entire Tarnobrzeg Special Economic Zone Euro-Park Wisłosan, and OSGE planning the construction of a power plant with BWRX-300 reactors. The parties see the potential for cooperation consisting in the involvement of ARP as an investor in a special purpose vehicle implementing a project in Stalowa Wola, with the investment decision remaining dependent on the agreement on the terms of the transaction.
The Tarnobrzeg Special Economic Zone Euro-Park Wisłosan covers 35 counties and 261 communes in the Podkarpackie, Lublin and Masovian Voivodeships. Euro-Park Stalowa Wola is intended for industrial investments related to supporting the development and implementation of modern technologies in the fields of energy, electromobility, transport, hydrogen technologies, aviation and automotive. Energy from the BWRX-300 reactors will be an important element of the industrial ecosystem being built.
“The green transformation of Polish industry is not only an obligation, but above all a civilizational opportunity for our country to take a convenient place on the economic train of the future. This train is moving towards zero-emission and stable energy, and small modular reactor technology is its key driver and is destined for success,” said Bartłomiej Babuśka, President of the ARP Management Board. “That is why, as the Industrial Development Agency, we are actively involved in projects that will ensure the country’s energy security and create the foundation for technological innovation in Euro-Park Stalowa Wola.”
Krzysztof Telega, Vice-President of the ARP Management Board, noted: “As an active investor, we have a keen interest in any serious project that brings us closer to a vision of sovereign, independent and green energy in a real way. Collaboration with OSGE in the construction of SMR reactors in Stalowa Wola is a milestone in the development of our special economic zone and a foundation of security for investors who are already planning their future here.”
According to Rafał Kasprów, President of the OSGE Management Board, the demand of Euro-Park Stalowa Wola investors for energy supplies is estimated at up to 1,500 MWe by 2030. “It will provide a technological leap related to the latest nuclear technologies and accompanying investments such as data centres. The implementation of the investment will also increase energy security on a national scale.”
OSGE plans to build a fleet of BWRX-300 reactors in Poland. The BWRX-300 is a 300 MWe water-cooled, natural circulation SMR with passive safety systems that leverages the design and licensing basis of GEH’s US Nuclear Regulatory Commission-certified ESBWR boiling water reactor design and its existing, licensed GNF2 fuel design. In February, OSGE and GE Vernova Hitachi signed the Poland Generic Design Agreement (PGDA) in Washington. This contract is specifically aimed at preparing a detailed technical design of the BWRX-300 reactor that is adapted to Polish regulations, safety standards, and environmental conditions.
In consultation with the Stalowa Wola city authorities, OSGE has selected two properties within the Euro-Park Stalowa Wola Strategic Investment Park: with an area of 101 ha and 166 ha, respectively. An application to the General Director for Environmental Protection (GDOŚ – Generalna Dyrekcja Ochrony Środowiska) is being finalised to issue a decision on environmental conditions and determine the scope of the environmental impact report. According to the decision in principle, a maximum of four units with BWRX-300 reactors can be built there.
