PARTNER CONTENT

The American partner of KGHM in the project to build a small modular nuclear reactor (SMR), NuScale, is ready to participate in Poland's energy transformation process. Company representatives declare support for green investments and establishing contacts with higher education institutions.

During the multi-day visit of NuScale representatives, in addition to meetings with the highest management of KGHM, discussions are also planned at the Ministry of State Assets.

– We are among the companies with a modern approach to transformation and pro-climate solutions. We have adopted an ambitious Climate Policy, which aims to achieve climate neutrality by KGHM by 2050. For this, we need challenges and development projects, such as the construction of a small modular nuclear power plant. Step by step, we are implementing our assumptions – said Tomasz Zdzikot, President of the Management Board of KGHM Polska Miedź S.A.

The President of KGHM added that SMRs will guarantee the stable operation of the copper company in the future. He emphasized that the company's energy transformation towards renewable sources and nuclear reactors will also be a significant element of the entire Polish energy mix.

John Hopkins, President of NuScale, stated that energy security has become extremely important due to the situation in Central and Eastern Europe. He added that climate change and topics concerning energy transformation are coming to the forefront.

In 2022, KGHM signed an agreement with the American company NuScale Power, LLC (a nuclear technology supplier) for preliminary work, which is the first step in the process of implementing SMR technology within the business activities of the KGHM Group. In April, the copper giant submitted an application to the Ministry of Climate and Environment for a decision in principle for the project to build a small modular nuclear power plant (SMR) in Poland.

A decision in principle is the first decision in the administrative permit system for investments in nuclear energy facilities in Poland, for which an investor can apply. Obtaining a decision in principle signifies state support for the implementation of a given undertaking and authorizes the investor to apply for a series of subsequent administrative decisions, such as, among others, a location decision or a construction permit.

NuScale is the first and, to date, the only SMR technology provider to have received certification for a 50 MW module from the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC). In January of this year, NuScale submitted an application to the NRC for certification of a 77 MW module, which it expects to receive in 2024.

In December 2022, NuScale already placed the first order for the production of pressure vessel components, which indicates the significant advancement of this technology supplier in the process of its actual implementation. In May 2023, on behalf of NuScale, Doosan Enerbility Co. Ltd commenced production of forgings for the first VOYGR-6TM power plant with a capacity of 462 MW, which is to be built in the United States in the state of Idaho for Utah Associated Municipal Power Systems (UAMPS).

KGHM conducts its activities in accordance with the idea of sustainable development and continuously strives to ensure that the entire technological chain is safe, innovative, and consistent with the concept of a Circular Economy. Its activities and commitments in these areas are outlined in the company's Environmental Policy and Climate Policy, the overarching goal of which is to achieve climate neutrality by 2050.

Investments that contribute to energy transformation are also crucial for the copper giant. KGHM aims to diversify its energy sources, including actively utilizing renewable sources. By 2030, 50% of the electricity consumed by KGHM will come from its own sources, including renewables. Already, the Sierra Gorda mine in Chile is 100% powered by renewable energy sources.