Ontario Power Generation (OPG) has signed a letter of intent (LOI) with Orlen Synthos Green Energy (OSGE) to support the deployment of small modular nuclear reactors (SMRs) in Poland. The agreement was formalized in Warsaw by OPG representatives Nicolle Butcher and Jon Franke, along with OSGE’s Jacek Drózd and Bartosz Fijałkowski. Polish government officials, including Paweł Gajda from the Ministry of Industry and Wojciech Wrochna, Government Plenipotentiary for Strategic Energy Infrastructure, witnessed the signing.
Under this LOI, OPG will provide various services, including pre-deployment assessments, operations, maintenance, and project management for OSGE’s planned fleet of GE Hitachi BWRX-300 reactors. Poland aims to construct up to 24 of these reactors across six sites, aligning with OPG’s ongoing Darlington New Nuclear Project (DNNP) where the first of four BWRX-300 reactors is set to be completed by 2030. This reactor is expected to supply electricity to around 300,000 homes.
The agreement builds on a previous collaboration established in June 2023 between OPG and OSGE, reflecting both companies’ commitment to the nuclear energy sector. OPG’s involvement is anticipated to bolster Ontario’s nuclear supply chain by showcasing the advantages of early engagement in SMR deployment.
In addition to operational support, OPG may assist with site-specific assessments and licensing strategies, further facilitating the successful implementation of SMRs in Poland. OPG’s expertise comes from its extensive experience in nuclear power generation, positioning it as a vital player as nations seek reliable energy solutions.
Rafał Kasprów, CEO of OSGE, expressed confidence in this partnership, citing OPG’s track record in the nuclear industry. He emphasized the importance of Canadian expertise in advancing Poland’s first SMR reactor, aiming to provide a stable energy source for both citizens and industries.
The collaboration also includes a technical group that features GE Hitachi and the Tennessee Valley Authority, focused on refining the BWRX-300 design and components. This joint effort signifies a step forward in international cooperation on nuclear technology, as both countries work to enhance their energy security through innovative solutions.
More than 80 Ontario companies have engaged with OPG to support its SMR project, contributing to an expanding nuclear supply chain that spans both domestic and international markets. In 2024, OPG’s subsidiary, Laurentis Energy Partners, secured a $40 million contract with OSGE to conduct a Preliminary Safety Analysis Report (PSAR) for the SMRs.
Nicolle Butcher, OPG President and CEO, stated that OPG’s decades of experience in safe nuclear operations positions them as a trusted partner for countries like Poland that are advancing new nuclear power initiatives. She expressed pride in the opportunity to assist Poland’s energy transition while strengthening Ontario’s nuclear industry.
As the global demand for clean energy solutions increases, partnerships like that of OPG and OSGE illustrate the potential for nuclear power to meet energy needs while contributing to economic growth in both regions.
