In a time of energy crisis and urgent need for stable and clean energy sources, small modular reactors are seen by many experts as a hopeful solution to many problems. Studies show that such projects enjoy public support, and Orlen will present additional locations for the construction of small reactors by the end of this year.
On Wednesday PKN Orlen and Orlen Synthos Green Energy held a conference about the future of SMRs in Poland.
„While working on Orlen’s strategy, we could not look at this business in the long term. We are interested in zero-emission power generation with regards to hydrogen generation and synthetic fuels. After analyzing all available technologies in a quick implementation we are moving towards SMRs,” Orlen CEO Daniel Obajtek explained.
„We are the first company in Poland to take up the challenge of implementing small reactors. The positive decision of the Polish Atomic Energy Agency for our projects gives us big hope for success. Of course, our research was preceded by extensive public consultations. More than 56 percent of respondents support the construction of SMRs near their place of residence. By the end of 2023, we will identify 13 locations for the construction of such facilities,” he added.
It is worth mentioning that the Polish company also takes into account the construction of SMRs outside the country. „Orlen Synthos Green Energy is considering the Czech Republic and Lithuania as potential SMR construction sites,” said Vice President Jarosław Dybowski.
„We are looking at Lithuania and the Czech Republic, but it is too early to say that SMRs will definitely be built there, although the Czechs are very interested in this. We certainly have a plan to expand this technology beyond Poland,” he added.
According to an IBRiS survey, 57 percent of respondents consider modern nuclear technologies safe. The same was true when respondents were asked to assess the safety of the technology if an SMR were to be built in their locality. In this situation, about 50 percent of respondents still declared a sense of security. Acceptance for the construction of small nuclear reactors increases when subjects are presented with the benefits of such a unit operating in their neighborhood. 56% of Poles would agree to the construction of an SMR in the vicinity of their residence if it would reduce their energy bills.
The IBRiS study clearly shows that energy security issues are a priority for Poles. As many as 58 percent of respondents believes SMRs are a stable source of energy. Almost as many are of the opinion that it is with this technology that Poland should begin its energy transformation. If the development of a fleet of small nuclear power plants in our country allowed for complete independence from the need to import Russian raw materials, then as many as 63.5 percent would be in favor of their construction. Jobs were another benefit related to SMRs that the respondents pointed to. About 40 percent of respondents are convinced that the SMR construction program will contribute to the creation of new jobs.
In February, PKN Orlen CEO Daniel Obajtek announced that the company wanted to have 79 such reactors in 25 locations by 2038, and in April it chose the first seven locations where it would like to build a small atom, among them Kraków and Warsaw.
Prepared by Jacek Perzyński