Poland to launch first small nuclear reactors by 2040, minister says
The first Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) are expected to be integrated into Poland's power grid by 2040, Energy Minister Milosz Motyka has said.
During a speech in Swierk near Warsaw, where the only Polish nuclear reactor, Maria, used for research purposes, has recently been re-launched, Motyka said that work on the government's SMR road map was ongoing.
The SMRs, which are still at a development stage in several countries, including Canada, are to provide a quicker and more cost-effective method of generating nuclear energy, albeit at a significantly smaller output compared to traditional large-scale nuclear plants.
Poland is planning to construct its first nuclear power plant on its Baltic Sea coast.
"Poland is already an important element of this supply chain, and thanks to subsequent decisions, made by our government, we'll be one of the leaders when it comes to the development of nuclear energy, also... in using Small Modular Reactors to decarbonise heat generation," Motyka said.
Motyka expressed optimism that 2040 could serve as a viable deadline for incorporating SMRs into the country's power grid, saying "we'll certainly explore such technological possibilities."(PAP)
jd/ jch/ mar/
