The US government's financing for the project was confirmed by Orlen CEO Daniel Obajtek on Sunday, Polish state news agency PAP reported.
Obajtek wrote on the X social media platform: "Our investment in the small modular reactor SMR is among the projects to receive strategic support from the Phoenix Project, to be financed by the US State Department."
The Orlen CEO added: "This will help accelerate the construction of small reactors in Poland and significantly boost our region's energy security."
The US government's Project Phoenix offers feasibility studies and technical assistance designed "to accelerate the global clean energy transition away from fossil fuels" in Europe, through conversion of coal plants to safe and secure new nuclear energy, such as small modular reactors (SMR), according to the US State Department.
Project Phoenix also seeks to "promote partnerships for the deployment of advanced clean energy solutions, and implement the highest standards of safety and security, while also prioritizing retraining and retaining local jobs," according to officials.
Poland's Orlen Group is an integrated multi-utility company that owns seven oil refineries—four in Poland, two in the Czech Republic, and one in Lithuania. It operates 3,100 petrol stations in Poland, Germany, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Lithuania and Hungary. The group has a well-established petrochemicals division and a renewable energy arm, engaged in projects to build wind and solar farms.
Orlen plans to launch at least one small modular nuclear reactor (SMR) by 2030, the PAP news agency reported.
The company expects to invest up to PLN 320 billion (around EUR 71.5 billion) in new projects during this time, according to executives.
(pm/gs)
Source: PAP, state.gov