Ontario Power Generation (OPG) and Orlen Synthos Green Energy (OSGE) have solidified their collaboration on the deployment of small modular nuclear reactors (SMRs) in Poland. A new letter of intent signed in Warsaw signals a significant step towards OPG potentially providing crucial services for OSGE’s SMR projects, building upon their existing partnership.
Key Takeaways
- A new letter of intent between OPG and OSGE could see OPG involved in the operation and maintenance of Poland’s future SMR fleet.
- The agreement strengthens a long-standing relationship, with OPG’s expertise in SMR technology being a key factor.
- Poland plans to deploy up to 24 GE Hitachi BWRX-300 reactors, the same technology OPG is implementing at its Darlington site.
Expanding Collaboration on SMR Deployment
The recently signed letter of intent (LOI) between OPG and OSGE outlines potential services OPG could offer, including pre-deployment, operations, and maintenance for OSGE’s SMR initiatives in Poland. This agreement deepens a relationship that began with an earlier collaboration announced in June 2023.
This milestone is particularly significant as Poland aims to construct as many as 24 GE Hitachi Vernova Nuclear (GVH) BWRX-300 reactors across six locations. This technology is identical to the SMRs OPG is currently building at its Darlington New Nuclear Project (DNNP) site in Ontario. The LOI signifies a commitment to a long-term partnership between Ontario and Poland in SMR development, expected to benefit Ontario’s supply chain and highlight the advantages of early adoption in the SMR sector.
OPG’s Role and Expertise
OPG is poised to offer pre-operations services, which may encompass site-specific assessments, project management, licensing strategies, and advisory support as Poland expands its clean energy infrastructure to meet demand and enhance energy independence.
OPG is already constructing the first commercial grid-scale SMR in North America at its DNNP site. The first of four planned BWRX-300 reactors is slated for completion by the end of the decade, with grid connection expected by the end of 2030. This SMR will be capable of powering approximately 300,000 homes. The subsequent units are projected for completion in the mid-2030s, subject to regulatory approvals.
Ontario boasts a strong nuclear supply chain, with over eighty companies already engaged with OPG for the Darlington SMR project, positioning them as leaders in the burgeoning domestic and global markets for new nuclear technologies.
A Growing Partnership
Synthos Green Energy and ORLEN established OSGE in 2022 to spearhead the deployment of BWRX-300 SMRs in Poland. This latest agreement reinforces the established relationship between OPG and OSGE. Notably, OPG’s subsidiary, Laurentis Energy Partners, secured a $40 million contract in 2024 with OSGE to complete a Preliminary Safety Analysis Report (PSAR) for SMRs.
Furthermore, OPG, OSGE, GE Vernova Hitachi, and the Tennessee Valley Authority are collaborating within a technical group that has invested in the development of the BWRX-300 standard design and detailed component designs.
Nicolle Butcher, OPG President and CEO, stated, "With many decades safely operating nuclear power generation, and our leadership on SMRs, jurisdictions are looking to OPG and Ontario as they advance new nuclear power, as a solution for their energy security needs. We are honoured by the potential opportunity to help Poland build a nuclear fleet, while also growing our domestic nuclear supply chains and economies."
Echoing this sentiment, Rafał Kasprów, OSGE CEO, commented, "Benefiting from Canadians’ expertise allows us to feel confident in building the first SMR reactor in Poland. We recognize OPG’s experience in the nuclear industry as well as its determination and advancement in deploying the first BWRX-300. Today, we are embarking on new opportunities to bring clean, stable energy for our citizens and Polish industry."
