CANDU Reactors: Canada's Pitch to Power Poland's Nuclear Future
Canada is advocating for its CANDU reactor technology for Poland's second nuclear plant. This move comes as Poland progresses on its nuclear energy strategy to lessen coal reliance, following a partnership with Westinghouse Electric for the first plant. Canada aims to financially back its proposal.
During a visit to Warsaw, Canadian Energy Minister Tim Hodgson promoted CANDU reactor technology as the optimal choice for Poland's upcoming second nuclear facility. As Poland seeks to reduce its coal dependency, it has already selected Westinghouse Electric for its initial plant along the Baltic Sea.
To determine the partner for the second nuclear plant, Poland has commenced discussions that include potential collaborators from the United States, France, Canada, and South Korea. 'Our goal is to further discussions on nuclear energy as Poland embarks on its second nuclear venture,' Hodgson stated, emphasizing Canada's commitment to financially endorse the CANDU bid.
In a move signaling strengthened ties, last year Poland and Canada finalized an agreement to create a cooperative legal framework for nuclear energy. Notably, Romania in the vicinity already utilizes Canadian CANDU technology at its reactors, which are managed by AtkinsRealis.