Orlen, Synthos Reach Agreement to Build Poland's First SMR Nuclear Plant

Polish state energy company Orlen and Synthos Green Energy have reached an agreement to build Poland's first small modular nuclear reactor (SMR), using the US-developed BWRX-300 technology. The project marks Europe's first deployment of this advanced SMR design and will be located in Włocławek, central Poland, with a planned capacity of 0.6 gigawatts from at least two reactors by 2035. The two companies will form a 50-50 joint venture, Orlen Synthos Green Energy (OSGE), which has full access to the American technology and equal shareholder rights, strengthening Orlen's strategic control over the project. This initiative is part of Poland's broader strategy to reduce dependence on coal and fossil fuels, as the country has historically consumed a large share of Europe's household coal. The SMR project has received significant backing from US agencies and fits into Poland's approval of 24 SMRs across six sites since 2023, positioning Orlen and its partner as pioneers in the global small modular reactor market. The agreement resolves a long-standing impasse over technology rights and collaboration terms, enabling Poland to advance its clean energy transition with cutting-edge nuclear technology.