Great interest among domestic companies in participating in the construction of the first Polish nuclear power plant during the "Supplier Day" organized in Gdynia by Polskie Elektrownie Jądrowe (PEJ), Westinghouse Electric Company and Bechtel
The "Supplier Day" event was attended by more than 150 representatives from 70 Polish companies operating in Pomerania. The main topics dicussed at this conference included the procurement process for the construction of the first nuclear power plant in Poland and the requirements for companies interested in participating in this project. The second day of the event was dedicated to bilateral meetings of representatives of Polish contractors and suppliers with the Westinghouse-Bechtel consortium.
High attendance and involvement of local companies
Among the participants on the first day of the event were Anna Łukaszewska-Trzeciakowska, Government Plenipotentiary for Strategic Energy Infrastructure, as well as a number of representatives of local authorities, including Leszek Bonna, vice-marshal of the Pomorskie Voivodeship, Gabriela Lisius, Head of the Wejherowo Poviat, Wiesław Gębka, head of the Choczewo commune and representatives of other local authorities of the Pucki and Lębork Poviats.
In addition to issues related to the procurement process and the possible broad participation of Pomeranian companies, the significant advancement of the project to build the first Polish nuclear power plant in Pomerania was discussed. The first day of the conference also included discussion of the mechanisms used by the Westinghouse-Bechtel consortium to select subcontractors for the project. Particular attention was paid to the requirements for the need to use appropriate codes and technical standards, so that the results of the work are of adequate high quality.
Individual meetings and questions from representatives of the companies
The second day of the conference was dedicated to individual talks between representatives of the Westinghouse-Bechtel consortium and Pomeranian entrepreneurs. In total, more than 120 such meetings were held, during which entrepreneurs presented business profiles of their companies and discussed tender scopes, requirements and work deadlines.
Both the high turnout during the first day and the intensity of the second day proved the great interest of Pomeranian companies in participating in the supply chain for the project to build the first nuclear power plant in Poland. Among the questions asked by representatives of local companies were those regarding the organization of similar events in the future, as well as the timing and scope of vetting of potential suppliers by Westinghouse and Bechtel.
The “Supplier Day” conference is a significant step in highlighting both the potential for the development of Poland's nuclear power industry and the strong interest in the project among local companies and local authorities. The event has also opened the path for cooperation between international contractors and local companies, which can benefit the entire region of Pomerania.