French energy utility EDF has signed cooperation agreements with 5 Polish companies as a part of its efforts to turn out to be a strategic companion within the growth of Poland’s first nuclear crops. It has additionally revealed that the French authorities is supporting its involvement, together with in securing financing.
Final yr, EDF submitted a preliminary supply to assemble 4 to 6 EPR nuclear reactors in Poland at two or three websites, representing a complete put in capability of 6.6 to 9.9 GW. The French firm estimated the price of constructing 4 reactors at round €33 billion and 6 at €48.5 billion.
In an interview revealed right now by the Polish Press Company (PAP), EDF’s deputy CEO Vakis Ramany revealed that the supply was supplemented on the time by a particular letter from France’s then finance minister, who on behalf of the federal government declared assist for EDF and France’s readiness to hunt financing instruments for the undertaking.
France edges ahead in race for Poland’s nuclear contracts
The Polish authorities’s nuclear programme envisages the development of six reactors with a complete capability of 6-9 GW. Commissioning of the primary unit, with a capability of about 1-1.6 GW, is deliberate for 2033.
Poland at present produces round 70% of its electrical energy from coal – by far the very best degree within the EU – and is in search of lower-emission sources of energy. France is considered one of three nations which might be in search of to collaborate within the nuclear plans, alongside South Korea and america.
The Polish authorities expects that its companion within the programme will take a 49% stake in an organization created for the aim, present applicable financing, and take part not solely within the building but in addition within the operation of the brand new nuclear energy crops, PAP experiences.
South Korea joins Poland’s nuclear race with supply of six reactors
The newest information comes after EDF signed new partnership agreements with 5 Polish corporations – Polimex Mostostal, Sefako, Tele-fonika Kable, Uniserv and ZRE Katowice – final week.
Agreements had been additionally signed between Bouygues Travaux Publics and Budimex S.A. and between IGEOS and GIFEN. These comply with on from 5 agreements signed final December in France with Zarmen, Rafako, Dominion, Egis Polska and EPG.
“These collaborations will allow a major change and improve within the capability of Polish trade,” says Thierry Deschaux, director of EDF’s Polish workplace. “With 66 Polish corporations already pre-qualified, we’re consolidating our technique of native anchoring and we’re assured that we’ll cross the 100 firm mark by the top of the yr.”
Renewables met document 67% of Poland’s energy demand on Sunday
Foremost photograph credit score: Lukáš Lehotský/Unsplash
Alicja Ptak is senior editor at Notes from Poland and a multimedia journalist. She beforehand labored for Reuters.
