Polish copper and silver producer KGHM Polska Miedź has signed an agreement with NuScale Power in Washington for the implementation of small modular reactor (SMR) technology in Poland.
The construction of the modular plant will allow the company to power the production divisions of the copper with nuclear. The plant will be operational by 2029 and help Poland avoid as much as 8 million tonnes of CO₂ emissions annually.
With the construction of small nuclear reactors by 2029, KGHM is implementing its strategy of reducing CO₂ from its operations and achieving energy independence.
“KGHM is proud to lead the initiation of a 100 per cent carbon-free energy project, delivering on its commitment to lead efforts to decarbonisation. The SMR technology will increase the company’s cost efficiency and transform the Polish energy sector”, said Marcin Chludziński, President of the Management Board of KGHM Polska Miedź S.A.
KGHM will be the first to implement a technologically unique small modular reactor in Poland that has been approved by the United States Nuclear Regulatory Commission. NuScale Power’s modular nuclear reactor will generate electricity and heat while allowing desalination and the production of hydrogen.
“In the global race to rapidly decrease emissions worldwide, NuScale’s technology presents the perfect solution to reach this goal while simultaneously bringing economic prosperity to host countries,” said John Hopkins, NuScale Power President and Chief Executive Officer.
“NuScale is proud to partner with KGHM, an experienced innovation leader, and we are excited to work together to bring forth the next era of advanced clean energy deployment and confront the climate crisis”, he added.
KGHM is involved in the mining and processing of valuable natural resources. At its heart is the largest deposit of copper ore in Europe which is located in southwestern Poland.
Photo: KGHM