KGHM has received the basic decision regarding the construction of a small modular reactor (SMR) power plant

The Ministry of Climate and Environment issued the basic decision for KGHM regarding the construction of a power plant based on small modular reactor (SMR) technology in Poland. This means that, the copper giant has received official state approval for the planned investment in accordance with the assumptions and concept presented by the company.

The basic decision is the first decision in the system of administrative permits for investments in nuclear power facilities in Poland that an investor may apply for. Obtaining it entitles KGHM to apply for a number of further administrative arrangements, such as e.g. a location decision or building permit.

"Our goal is to ensure safe, ecological and price-stable energy, which will allow us to maintain KGHM's business edge on a global scale. In the case of involvement in nuclear energy, we have strong support from the Ministry of State Assets and now the approval of the Ministry of Climate and Environment. This is of significant importance, because the introduction of nuclear technology in our country, based on small modular reactors, also supports the energy transformation of the Polish economy" said Tomasz Zdzikot, President of KGHM Polska Miedź S.A.

In 2022, KGHM signed an agreement with the American company NuScale Power, LLC (a supplier of nuclear technology) for preliminary work, which is the first step in the process of implementing SMR technology as part of the copper company's undertakings. The decision of the Ministry of Climate and Environment is a general opinion on the selected conditions enabling the construction of a modular nuclear power plant with a capacity of 462 MW consisting of six modules, each with a capacity of 77 MW. The application was prepared, among others, on the basis of the project documentation, which has already received final certification in the United States.

KGHM's American partner, NuScale, was the first and so far the only supplier of SMR technology to receive certification for the 50 MW module from the US Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC). In January this year, NuScale applied to the NRC for certification of the 77MW module, which it is expected to receive in 2024.

NuScale has also placed its first order for the production of pressure vessel components, demonstrating the technology supplier's significant advancement in the process of actual implementation. In May 2023, on behalf of NuScale, Doosan Enerbility Co. Ltd commenced the production of forgings for the first 462 MW VOYGR-6TM power plant to be built in the US state of Idaho for Utah Associated Municipal Power Systems (UAMPS).

KGHM conducts its activities in accordance with the idea of sustainable development and constantly makes efforts to ensure that the entire technological chain is safe, innovative and compliant with the idea of the Circular Economy. KGHM's activities and commitments in these areas are included in the company's Environmental Policy and Climate Policy, whose overriding goal is to achieve climate neutrality by 2050.

Investments that contribute to the energy transformation are also crucial for the copper giant. KGHM strives to diversify its energy sources, including actively using renewable sources. By 2030, 50% of the electricity consumed by KGHM will come from its own sources, including RES. The Sierra Gorda mine in Chile is already 100% powered by energy from renewable sources.