The cooperation aims to investigate the possibilities of using ABWR and ESBWR reactors in the first nuclear power plant to be built in Poland as well as the future industry cooperation opportunities.
On 1 March 2010 the PGE Management Board signed the Memorandum on commencing cooperation with GE Hitachi . The Memorandum provides for joint activities related to a feasibility study for the development of the ABWR and ESBWR nuclear reactor in Poland by the year 2020 and the potential construction and operation of such reactors in the first Polish nuclear power plant. Besides, both companies confirm that they will hold talks on a potential industry partnership related to the nuclear project in Poland.
ABWR (Advanced Boiling Water Reactor) and ESBWR (Economic Simplified Boiling Water Reactor) are two types of modern, third-generation nuclear reactors offered by GE Hitachi Nuclear Energy. They ensure very high level of safety and good economic parameters. They are part of the boiling water reactors (BWR) family with new advanced features, including safety enhancements.
Development of the BWR-type reactors started in the early 1950s and now, it is the second most popular technology in nuclear power industry. About 94 BWR units operate till now, mainly in USA and Japan, but also in Europe (Sweden, Finland, Spain, Germany). GE Hitachi’s ABWR reactors are working in Japan and its construction is planned in USA.
The Memorandum signed on 1 March 2010 does not contain an exclusivity clause related to the development of the nuclear power industry in Poland. GE Hitachi is another partner with whom PGE has begun a nuclear power industry cooperation. In November 2009 PGE signed its first Memorandum with the French company EDF concerning the commencement of cooperation related to a feasibility study dealing with EPR technology reactor construction. PGE plans to sign similar agreements with other partners experienced in the construction and operation of nuclear reactors.
PGE Polska Grupa Energetyczna considers construction of two nuclear power plants with the planned capacity of approx. 3000 MW each. According to the preliminary schedule, the commissioning of the first unit could take place by the year 2020, and of the following ones every two or three years after this.
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Additional information:
PGE Polska Grupa Energetyczna is the largest power engineering company in Poland and one of the largest such companies in Central and Eastern Europe. Thanks to the combination of its own fuel (lignite) resources, power generation and final distribution networks, PGE guarantees safe and reliable power supply to 5 million households, businesses and institutions. The company's net power generation amounts to about 56 TWh, which constitutes 42% of the national electricity output. The installed capacity equals 12.4 GW.
The PGE Capital Group has operated under its current structure since 2007. The PGE Capital Group's major areas of activity comprise the mining of lignite and generation of heat and electricity from conventional sources, the wholesale trade of electricity and related products, the retail sales of electricity and heat, the distribution of electricity as well as the generation of electricity from renewable sources. Since 6 November 2009 PGE Polska Grupa Energetyczna S.A. has been one of the largest companies listed at the Warsaw Stock Exchange.
GE Hitachi Nuclear Energy (GEH), based in Wilmington, N.C (USA)., is a world-leading provider of advanced reactors and nuclear services. Established in June 2007, GEH is a global nuclear alliance created by GE and Hitachi to serve the global nuclear industry. This nuclear alliance executes a single, strategic vision to create a broader portfolio of solutions, expanding its capabilities for new reactor and service opportunities. The alliance offers customers around the world the technological leadership required to effectively enhance reactor performance, power output and safety.