Orlen and Synthos seal SMR agreement. First Polish small modular reactor to rise in Włocławek
Poland is moving forward with small modular reactors (SMR). ORLEN and Synthos Green Energy (SGE) have finalized an agreement reshaping the governance of their joint venture OSGE and securing access to the U.S. BWRX-300 reactor technology developed by GE Vernova. The deal paves the way for construction of the country’s first SMR unit in Włocławek, designated by ORLEN as the priority location.
In brief
ORLEN Group has concluded negotiations with Synthos Green Energy and signed an agreement opening the way to building a nuclear power plant using BWRX-300 technology in Włocławek. ORLEN and Synthos Green Energy each hold 50 percent of the shares in OSGE, and the agreement covers a licence for GE Vernova technology. By 2035, ORLEN plans to commission at least two SMR reactors with a combined capacity of 0.6 GW. Ireneusz Fąfara, president of the ORLEN management board, stressed that the negotiations lasted more than a year and secured direct access to American technology.
The project marks a return to a strategic direction initiated under former CEO Daniel Obajtek, when ORLEN became the first company in Poland to seriously pursue SMR deployment. Although the concept was later put on hold, the company under current management is reviving it, emphasizing continuity and the importance of building on proven initiatives.
Equal partnership, direct access to technology
The agreement covers two key elements:
- a new shareholder and corporate structure for OSGE, which equalizes partner rights (ORLEN and Synthos each hold 50%),
- a licensing deal granting OSGE direct access to GE Vernova’s BWRX-300 “Standard Design,” considered the most advanced SMR project globally.
The revised governance model introduces a Steering Committee to oversee implementation, while management roles will rotate: Synthos will first appoint the company’s CEO, while ORLEN will designate the chair of the supervisory board.
SMRs in ORLEN’s long-term strategy
SMRs have been included in ORLEN’s corporate strategy “Energy of Tomorrow Begins Today”. By 2035, the company plans to operate at least two BWRX-300 units with a combined capacity of 0.6 GW. The first reactor in Włocławek is expected to serve as the cornerstone of ORLEN’s nuclear energy program, reinforcing Poland’s energy security and diversification.
– Poland will host the first BWRX-300 SMR in Europe. We are building the energy of tomorrow. This agreement secures ORLEN’s interests and provides direct access to American nuclear technology, said Ireneusz Fąfara, President & CEO of ORLEN.
Source: Gazeta Morska · Compiled by: Kamil Kusier
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