Nuclear power has long been at the center of controversy in the energy sector. The overwhelming energy generation that it could potentially provide is astonishing, but the nuclear sector has not gotten the attention, and more crucially, the funding to develop into a force in the energy market. This is particularly true in Central Europe. However, recent developments in Poland point to that reality shifting, as the nation is moving forward with its plans to construct Europe’s first SMR, or small modular reactor.
Polish energy giant has reached an agreement to develop Europe’s first ever SMR
Poland’s major energy company, Orlen, has reached an agreement with Synthos Green Energy to construct Europe’s first-ever small modular reactor in the central city of Włocławek. Poland has had no footprint in the nuclear energy sector, but has plans to enter the market through the new project, which we might mention has the financial backing of Poland’s richest man.
Technology for the new SMR project will be provided by US-based firm GE Hitachi Nuclear Energy, with additional support coming from other US state agencies. SMRs are prefabricated and then installed on site, boasting the added benefit of being much smaller than full-scale nuclear reactors, meaning they are cheaper to install and operate.
“Access to this technology places [us] at the forefront of the global deployment of small modular reactors. Poland will host the first BWRX-300 small modular reactor in Europe. We are building the energy system of tomorrow. ” – Orlen’s CEO, Ireneusz Fąfara
Synthos began shifting away from oil and gas production towards the SMR sector a few years ago, and is owned by billionaire Michał Sołowow, meaning it has vast financial resources to develop its SMR manufacturing capabilities. In 2021, Synthos signed a letter of intent with GE Hitachi Nuclear Energy that aims to build 10 BWRX-300 reactors in Poland by 2030.
Europe’s nuclear sector has been boosted by a new investment approach
Poland has long been contemplating an entry into the nuclear sector. In 2023, the EU Commission approved a joint venture between SGE and Orlen. The new venture then subsequently signed an agreement with several American and Canadian corporations to develop the new SMRs for Europe. Soon after that, two US government agencies announced their support through a $4 billion support package.
Poland has been eyeing an entry into the SMR sector for quite a long time. The previous administration set a target of producing 23% of Poland’s electricity from nuclear by 2040, and the new government has continued on that path, ensuring continued support for Poland’s nuclear energy dream.
The energy sector has been through a tough time in 2025, facing rising operational costs, increased spending on compliance that is required under EU law, as well as the latest round of sanctions on Russia, placing the energy market in a tailspin as the world imagines a future without Russian energy resources.
The support from the US comes as no accident, with America seeing its nuclear energy sector booming in recent months as well.
Poland’s nuclear SMR sector has become the envy of the European continent
The advancement of the SMR manufacturing sector in Poland points to a new approach to the nuclear sector in Europe. As the region contemplates industrial decarbonization options, nuclear has served as the most viable and efficient option for the litany of EU nations. Europe’s first-ever SMR could potentially shift the sector to focus on decarbonization instead of substantial returns on investments for stakeholders. Poland has no nuclear power to speak of, but the government remains committed to changing that reality over the coming years. Whether or not they will succeed is anyone’s guess, but the progress so far is promising.
