Consortium Westinghouse-Bechtel to build the first nuclear power plant in Poland
Westinghouse and Bechtel, the world’s leading nuclear power sector companies, will form a consortium to design and build the nuclear power plant in Pomerania. The agreement that lays down the main principles of cooperation between PEJ and the consortium of American companies was signed on 25 May 2023 in Warsaw.
The agreement which lays down the principles of cooperation between Polskie Elektrownie Jądrowe and the Westinghouse-Bechtel consortium is a result of intensive negotiations held in recent months. These principles will apply to subsequent commercial contracts for the development of the nuclear power plant in Pomerania, including the engineering services contract which is expected to be signed later this year.
The contract will set out the division of responsibility (DoR) and specify the most important rules and conditions to be followed by the partners in executing the first nuclear power plant project in Poland. It also specifies that the two U.S. companies will work together in areas such as the design and engineering of the nuclear facility, execution of the established schedule of works, project control, and quality assurance. During the NPP design and engineering stage Westinghouse will be the leader of the consortium, while Bechtel will take over as the leader during the construction phase.
“The agreement signed today is the outcome of intense negotiations, but most of all, it is another milestone and strengthens the potential of the nuclear power plant project. Today, we are even closer to the construction of a nuclear power plant in 2026 and generation of nuclear power in 2033. It will allow us to achieve the goal of having 25% share of nuclear energy in our energy mix in 2040. We are excited to work with partners who are open to local content – Polish economy, Polish enterprises, Polish services, and Polish human resources. We are getting ready for this challenge”, said Anna Moskwa, Minister of Climate and Environment.
“Six months ago, we selected the most advanced reactor technology for the construction of the first nuclear power plant in Poland. In February, we signed a contract with Westinghouse, whose technical know-how, legacy, or technologies as such can be found in majority of nuclear power plants on almost every continent. Now Bechtel, with over 100 years of experience in executing the most complex energy megaprojects around the world is also coming on board. This duo successfully executed the construction of reference units in the US. This experience gives us confidence that the nuclear power plant in Pomerania will be built on schedule and will meet the highest parameters of safety and energy efficiency, and that the project will become a flywheel for the development of technology and transfer of know-how, which was emphasized by Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki on many occasions”, said Mateusz Berger, Government Plenipotentiary for Strategic Energy Infrastructure.
“Today’s agreement is a demonstration of the bond that brings those three great U.S. and Polish companies together as one team committed to one goal. That goal is to use the world’s best technology to help Poland build a nuclear power plant which will provide, safe, affordable, and clean power for generations to come”, said Mark Brzezinski, U.S. Ambassador to Poland
”A U.S. consortium of highly experienced companies in the nuclear power sector is being born before our eyes today to design and build Poland's first nuclear power plant. As the investor, we will actively cooperate with this consortium so as to consistently reach successive milestones in the project until the power plant in Pomerania is handed over for operation", said Łukasz Młynarkiewicz, acting president of Polskie Elektrownie Jądrowe.
The conclusion of the agreement is another stage in business activities of Polskie Elektrownie Jądrowe in recent months. Following the Polish Government’s resolution of 2 November 2022 on selection of AP1000 reactor technology for the first nuclear power plant in Poland, in December 2022 PEJ signed a Cooperation Agreement with Westinghouse. In February, a Bridge Contract for preliminary engineering works was concluded. Continuation of this cooperation between PEJ, and the consortium of Westinghouse and Bechtel is the last of the steps before signing an Engineering Services Contract later this year.
”The Westinghouse-Bechtel team is experienced and efficient, as demonstrated by the successful connection to the grid of the first AP1000 reactor in the US and the finalization of the commissioning works of the second unit. Four other AP1000 reactors are already in commercial operation around the world. We will use our experience to support Poland in building a new, cleaner and safer energy mix”, said Patrick Fragman, CEO of Westinghouse.
”This is an exciting moment for Poland, and we are honored to support their nuclear ambitions. Bechtel brings over 70 years of experience in the nuclear industry to this partnership. Together with Westinghouse, we look forward to working with PEJ, and Polish construction companies and suppliers to deliver the clean, reliable energy Poland needs”, said Craig Albert, President and Chief Operating Officer at Bechtel.
