Ontario Power Generation (OPG) and Orlen Synthos Green Energy (OSGE) have formalized their collaboration on small modular reactors (SMRs) in Poland by signing a letter of intent (LOI) on July 21, 2025, in Warsaw. This agreement enables OPG to offer pre-deployment, operational, maintenance, and advisory services for the deployment of nuclear reactors in Poland.
The LOI builds on a prior agreement made in June 2023 and marks a significant step in Poland’s plan to construct up to 24 GE Hitachi Vernova Nuclear BWRX-300 reactors across six locations nationwide. This technology mirrors that of OPG’s ongoing Darlington New Nuclear Project (DNNP), where they are in the process of constructing the first commercial grid-scale SMR in the G7.
Construction of the first BWRX-300 reactor at the DNNP site is expected to finish by the end of this decade, with the reactor scheduled to connect to the grid by the end of 2030. Once operational, it will generate enough electricity to power approximately 300,000 homes. OPG aims to complete three additional units by the mid-2030s, contingent upon regulatory approvals.
OPG’s involvement in Poland is viewed as a long-term partnership that will not only support the deployment of SMRs but also bolster the Ontario supply chain. More than 80 Ontario companies have already engaged with OPG to contribute to the SMR project, positioning themselves as key players in both local and international markets for advanced nuclear technologies.
The joint venture between Synthos Green Energy and ORLEN, known as OSGE, was established in 2022 to spearhead the development of BWRX-300 SMRs in Poland. This new agreement strengthens the existing relationship between OPG and OSGE, as evidenced by a $40 million contract signed in 2024 for OPG’s subsidiary Laurentis Energy Partners to produce a Preliminary Safety Analysis Report (PSAR) on SMRs.
Additionally, OPG and OSGE are part of a technical collaboration group, which includes GE Vernova Hitachi and the Tennessee Valley Authority. This group is focused on investing in the development of the BWRX-300 standard design and essential components like the reactor pressure vessel and internals.
Nicolle Butcher, President and CEO of OPG, emphasized the company’s decades of experience in nuclear power and its leadership in SMR technology. She stated, „Jurisdictions are looking to OPG and Ontario as they advance new nuclear power as a solution for energy security needs. We are honored by the opportunity to assist Poland in building a nuclear fleet while enhancing our local nuclear supply chains.”
Rafał Kasprów, CEO of OSGE, expressed confidence in their partnership with OPG, noting, „Benefiting from Canadians’ expertise allows us to confidently build the first SMR reactor in Poland. We recognize OPG’s experience in the nuclear industry and their commitment to deploying the first BWRX-300. Today marks the beginning of new opportunities to provide clean, stable energy for our citizens and Polish industry.”
As the demand for clean energy increases, the collaboration between OPG and OSGE represents a significant advancement in Poland’s energy strategy, showcasing the potential of small modular reactors in achieving energy independence and sustainability.
