Growing Appetite for Nuclear Energy

Nuclear power is undergoing a resurgence. It is viewed as a complementary energy source for power systems increasingly reliant on renewable energy sources such as wind and solar, which are weather-dependent and thus less stable. Orlen has also incorporated nuclear into its energy mix. Alongside Synthos, it aims to generate nuclear power not only for its own consumption but also for broader distribution. Related expenditures are expected to exceed PLN 100 billion, with plans to construct dozens of reactors.

“Poland’s energy transition will not happen without nuclear power. Large nuclear power plants are expected to come online after 2035 or 2036, barring any major disruptions in the project implementation. This is a promising prospect, but it will still be more than a decade before that becomes a reality. In the meantime, we will need to rely on small modular reactors, which can be built faster, providing stable and affordable electricity and heat. They are the sole sensible approach to address our challenges”, said Dawid Jackiewicz, Vice-President of Orlen Synthos Green Energy, during the Economic Forum in Krynica.

Assuming the project stays on track, the first model unit could be completed by 2029. “This timeline is achievable. Our ambition is to have at least ten such units up and running by 2035”, Mr Jackiewicz added.