Towards a small nuclear energy installation - KGHM’s American partner in Poland

NuScale, KGHM’s American partner on the small modular nuclear power plant (SMR) project, is ready to participate in Poland’s energy transition. The company’s representatives pledge to support green investments and establish contacts with universities.

During the several-day visit of NuScale’s representatives, in addition to meetings with KGHM’s top management, talks are also scheduled at the Ministry of State Assets.

“We are a company with a modern approach to transformation and pro-climate solutions. We have adopted an ambitious Climate Policy that aims to achieve KGHM’s climate neutrality by 2050. For this, we need challenges and development projects, such as the construction of a small, modular nuclear power plant. We are achieving our objectives step by step,” said Tomasz Zdzikot, the CEO of KGHM Polska Miedź S.A.

He added that SMRs will guarantee the stability of the company’s operation in the future. He stressed that the company’s energy transition toward renewables and nuclear reactors will also be an important part of Poland’s overall energy mix.

John Hopkins, the CEO of NuScale, said that energy security has become extremely important due to the situation in central and eastern Europe. He added that climate change and energy transition topics are coming to the fore.

In 2022, KGHM signed a preliminary work agreement with the American company NuScale Power, LLC (a supplier of nuclear technology) as the first step in implementing the SMR technology within the KGHM Group’s business operations. In April, KGHM applied to the Ministry of Climate and Environment for the principal decision for a project to build a small modular nuclear power plant (SMR) in Poland.

The principal decision is the first decision in the system of administrative permits for investment projects concerning nuclear power facilities in Poland that an investor can apply for. A principal decision constitutes an expression of the state’s support for the implementation of a particular project and entitles one to apply for a series of subsequent administrative decisions, such as a location decision or a building permit, among others.

NuScale is the first and to date the only SMR technology provider to receive certification for a 50 MW module from the US Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC). In January this year, NuScale applied to the NRC for certification of a 77 MW module, which it expects to receive in 2024.

NuScale already placed its first order for the production of pressure vessel components in December 2022, which reflects the significant progress that this technology provider has made in the process of actually implementing the technology. In May 2023, based on an order from NuScale, Doosan Enerbility Co. Ltd began manufacturing forgings for the first 462 MW VOYGR-6TM power plant to be built in the United States in the state of Idaho for Utah Associated Municipal Power Systems (UAMPS). 

KGHM conducts its operations in accordance with the idea of sustainable development and constantly strives to make the entire process line safe, innovative, and in line with the idea of a Closed Circuit Economy. Its actions and commitments in these areas are included in its Environmental Policy and Climate Policy, with the overarching goal of achieving climate neutrality by 2050.

Investments that contribute to the energy transition are also of key importance to the company. KGHM seeks to diversify its energy sources, including by 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 renewable energy.