Polish-Korean partnership for SMR deployment

Synthos Green Energy (SGE) said: "This strategic partnership combines SGE's expertise in deploying nuclear technologies with Samsung C&T's global engineering and construction capabilities, aiming to accelerate the rollout of SMRs as a cornerstone of sustainable energy, energy security, and carbon-neutral goals worldwide. The objective of this partnership is to outline the framework for future cooperation, focused on the potential development of SMR projects utilising GE Vernova Hitachi Nuclear Energy's (GVH's) BWRX-300 technology in the Central and Eastern Europe region."

As part of this collaboration, the two companies will collaborate on feasibility studies, site surveys, and environmental impact assessments necessary for the development of Synthos Green Energy's Polish SMR project. Building on this partnership, they anticipate continued collaboration in the Central and Eastern European markets, where SGE is pursuing expansion. The collaboration includes consideration of an investment from Samsung C&T into SGE's international SMR development platform.

Michał Sołowow, owner and founder of SGE. "SGE is proud to deepen and align our relationship with Samsung as a potential equity partner. Their proven capabilities in delivering nuclear projects will strengthen SGE's SMR development platform and accelerate the deployment of safe, sustainable, and cost-effective energy across Europe."

"Partnering with SGE strengthens our shared vision of accelerating the deployment of innovative nuclear technologies," said Samsung C&T President and CEO Oh Se-cheol. "Together, we aim to make SMRs a cornerstone of sustainable energy systems, ensuring energy security and driving the global shift toward a carbon-neutral future. We look forward to working closely with SGE to shape the future of clean energy in Europe."

The BWRX-300 is a 300 MWe water-cooled, natural circulation SMR with passive safety systems that leverages the design and licensing basis of GEVH's US Nuclear Regulatory Commission-certified ESBWR boiling water reactor design and its existing, licensed GNF2 fuel design. GVH's first BWRX-300 is under construction at Ontario Power Generation's Darlington site in Canada, with completion expected by the end of the decade.

In December 2021 GE Hitachi, BWXT Canada and SGE - part of the Synthos Group - signed a Letter of Intent to cooperate in deploying BWRX-300 SMRs in Poland. OSGE - a joint venture between chemical producers SGE and PKN Orlen - plans to deploy a fleet of 24 BWRX-300 reactors in Poland. It has begun development at three separate sites and aims to complete the first unit by 2032.

SGE plans to expand its SMR business to Central and Eastern Europe, including the Czech Republic, Hungary, Lithuania, Bulgaria and Romania.

In October, GVH and Samsung C&T signed a strategic alliance to advance the deployment of BWRX-300 SMRs in strategic global markets outside North America, with a focus on developing the supply chain and project delivery solutions.

Samsung C&T has more than 40 years of engineering and construction experience operating throughout the world including in the nuclear energy sector with expertise across all areas of the nuclear industry, including delivery of the Barakah nuclear power plant in the United Arab Emirates.