Samsung C&T Partners with Polish Firm to Build Up to 24 SMRs

Samsung C&T is pursuing the construction of up to 24 small modular reactors (SMRs) in Poland and plans to strengthen its position in the SMR business by expanding into European markets including the Czech Republic and Hungary.

Samsung C&T announced Monday that it signed a memorandum of understanding with Synthos Green Energy (SGE), a Polish private company, for SMR development cooperation. Under the agreement, the two companies will conduct feasibility studies, site surveys, and environmental impact assessments needed for SMR project development in Poland. They also plan to expand cooperation to Central and Eastern European markets that SGE is pursuing.

SGE is pushing to build up to 24 reactors, including Poland's first SMR power plant by the early 2030s, using the BWRX-300 technology. The BWRX-300 is a 300-megawatt SMR technology based on an improved boiling water reactor (BWR), developed by GE Hitachi Nuclear Energy (GEH), a joint venture between General Electric of the United States and Japan's Hitachi. The technology is currently being used in Ontario, Canada, and Sweden's state-owned power company Vattenfall has selected it as the final candidate for its Ringhals nuclear project, indicating strong business prospects. Samsung C&T signed an agreement with GEH in October to expand SMR business in Europe, Southeast Asia, and the Middle East.

Samsung C&T plans to expand its SMR business with SGE not only in Poland but also into Central and Eastern Europe, including the Czech Republic, Hungary, Lithuania, Bulgaria, and Romania. The company aims to solidify its position as a key player in Europe by strengthening strategic partnerships for SMR business expansion. Samsung C&T entered the SMR business in earnest in June 2023 when it signed an MOU with five companies including Romania's nuclear corporation for SMR projects in Romania and business expansion in Europe. In 2024, the company also signed agreements with private nuclear company Fermi Energia in Estonia and SMR developer Kärnfull Next in Sweden to expand its business.

"Close cooperation with Poland's SGE will be a milestone in securing a foothold for entry into Central and Eastern Europe," Samsung C&T President and CEO Oh Se-chul said. SGE CEO Rafał Kasprów said, "Samsung C&T's global nuclear execution capabilities combined with SGE's business competitiveness have enhanced the potential for Poland's SMR projects. We hope to provide safe and sustainable energy solutions in Europe."