Westinghouse Electric Company, Bechtel, and Polish utility Polskie Elektrownie Jądrowe have officially signed an Engineering Services Contract for Poland's inaugural nuclear power plant, which will be located at the Lubiatowo-Kopalino site in Pomerania.
From left: John Howanitz, President of Bechtel’s Nuclear, Security & Environmental global business unit; Westinghouse President and CEO Patrick Fragman; Government Plenipotentiary for Strategic Energy Infrastructure Anna Łukaszewska-Trzeciakowska; Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki; U.S. Ambassador to Poland Mark Brzezinski; Assistant Secretary of Energy for International Affairs Andrew Light; President of Polskie Elektrownie Jądrowe Mateusz Berger. I Photo: Business Wire
This milestone was commemorated during a signing ceremony in Warsaw, attended by Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki, Government Plenipotentiary for Strategic Energy Infrastructure Anna Łukaszewska-Trzeciakowska, and U.S. Ambassador to Poland Mark Brzezinski.
The contract encompasses several key aspects of the project, including the finalization of a site-specific design for three Westinghouse AP1000 nuclear islands, Turbine Island and Balance of Plant design work, and support for Polskie Elektrownie Jądrowe in preparing license application materials, training programs, and operations and maintenance procedures.
This work is expected to commence immediately and will be conducted over an 18-month period.
Anna Łukaszewska-Trzeciakowska, Government Plenipotentiary for Strategic Energy Infrastructure, emphasized the commitment to constructing Poland's first nuclear power plant within the designated timeline, and budget, and with optimal utilization of the Polish industry.
She highlighted the combined expertise of Westinghouse and Bechtel, who have experience working on a similar project known as Plant Vogtle in the United States, and their ability to support Poland in rebuilding its energy mix while strengthening the economy and training local technicians and engineers.
U.S. Ambassador Mark Brzezinski commended the collaboration between the Polish government and the involved companies, emphasizing the importance of this project for both countries. He noted that this partnership is not just a commercial venture but also an opportunity to bolster Poland's position as a hub for civil nuclear technology deployment.
Andrew Light, Assistant Secretary of Energy for International Affairs at the U.S. Department of Energy, described this milestone as a cornerstone of the enduring strategic and commercial partnership between the United States and Poland.
He highlighted the deployment of advanced nuclear technology that would provide clean, safe, and reliable power while creating numerous secure and sustainable energy jobs.
Mateusz Berger, President of the Management Board of Polskie Elektrownie Jądrowe, marked this moment as the beginning of the execution phase of the nuclear power plant project after an intensive planning stage.
He expressed gratitude to the many individuals from the Polish and U.S. government administrations, as well as employees of all involved parties, who contributed to reaching this milestone.
Patrick Fragman, President and CEO of Westinghouse, emphasized that this project will serve as a model for other countries seeking to decarbonize and enhance energy security through nuclear energy. He commended Poland for its leadership in this endeavor.
Craig Albert, President and Chief Operating Officer at Bechtel, underlined the historic significance of Poland's first nuclear power plant, expressing excitement about bringing Bechtel's extensive nuclear expertise to the project and collaborating with local Polish workers and suppliers.
The anticipated commercial operation of Poland's first AP1000 nuclear reactor is set for 2033. The AP1000 reactor is known for its passive safety systems, modular construction design, and small footprint per MWe.
This technology is currently in use in the United States and China and is under consideration for deployment at multiple other sites worldwide.
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