Poland’s biggest power company Orlen, SGE, which belongs to billionaire investor Michał Sołowow, and Orlen Synthos Green Energy (OSGE) have entered into a framework agreement on their further cooperation on developing small modular reactors (SMR) using BWRX-300 technology, OSGE said on October 22.

“We have established the terms of cooperation that will enable us to carry out this project responsibly. As the lead investor in Włocławek, Orlen will manage the construction with a clear budget, supervision and timetable, drawing on the support and experience of our partners. The most important thing now is to provide a stable energy supply for Polish industry,” Orlen’s CEO Ireneusz Fąfara said in a press release.

“The BWRX-300 technology is ready, and Poland has the most advanced SMR programme in the European Union. Together with Orlen, we want the first unit to be built as soon as possible. Our partners’ private capital and expertise are at the disposal of this project,” said Michał Sołowow, founder of SGE.

Under the agreement, the power station project in Włocławek will be carried out in phases by the special-purpose vehicle BWRX-300 Włocławek, which is controlled by Orlen. A timetable, budget and scope of work will be set for each phase. Funding for each later phase will depend on the objectives set for the earlier phases being met.

As a result, Orlen, as the lead investor at the site, will be responsible for delivering the project while maintaining full transparency and using SGE’s expertise in a fleet-based approach. Orlen will also obtain direct licence rights to the BWRX-300 technology.

The next steps are: to begin environmental and site surveys; to work on a support model with the Ministry of Energy; and, to prepare and submit an application for a construction licence to the National Atomic Energy Agency.

“The parties express their intention to supplement the umbrella agreement with detailed provisions in implementing agreements before the end of this year, and will make joint efforts to achieve this objective,” the release said.

The first BWRX-300 unit in Włocławek is due to be commissioned in the mid-2030s. OSGE holds in-principle decisions for 24 units across six sites. Orlen’s strategy envisages at least two SMR units by 2035 as a stable source of energy for its plants in Płock and Włocławek.