Polish mining company KGHM chooses nuclear power as clean energy

KGHM, the Polish copper giant, has signed a joint commitment with the companies NuScale Power, an American leader amongst producers of small modular reactors technology, and with PBE Molecule, to develop SMR technology. NuScale’s technology for small nuclear reactors enables the production of clean, renewable and cost-effective energy. NuScale Power has developed a new modular light water reactor nuclear power plant to supply energy for electrical generation, district heating, desalination, hydrogen production and other process heat applications.

NuScale states in a press release, it will support KGHM  with the implementation of SMR technology to replace existing coal-based energy sources. This clean energy is expected to provide power to the copper company’s production plants. This cooperation involves the development and construction of 4 small modular nuclear reactors (SMRs), with the option of up to 12 (with installed capacity of around 1GW). This will potentially be the largest installation of its type in the world. Completion of the project is expected by the end of 2030.

In accordance with its signed commitment, KGHM Polska Miedź will not only be a recipient of the final product, but will also actively participate in the development of this technology.

The strategy being advanced by KGHM states that by the year 2030, half of the company’s power needs will be supplied by its own internal sources, including RES. KGHM Polska Miedź is advancing projects involving the construction of PV plants on the grounds of its facilities, is a signer of an agreement aimed at developing offshore wind farms in Poland, and is now adding energy from small nuclear reactors to this mix.

Modular reactor

The small modular reactor (SMR) design features a fully factory-fabricated NuScale Power Module™ capable of generating 77 MW of electricity using a safer, smaller, and scalable version of pressurized water reactor technology.

NuScale’s scalable design—power plants that can house up to four, six, or 12 individual power modules—offers the benefits of carbon-free energy and reduces the financial commitments associated with gigawatt-sized nuclear facilities. The majority investor in NuScale is Fluor Corporation, a global engineering, procurement, and construction company with a 70-year history in commercial nuclear power.

KGHM is involved in the mining and processing of valuable natural resources. At its heart is the largest deposit of copper ore in Europe, located in south-western Poland. Its has operations on three continents – in Europe, North America and South America. The copper ore resources controlled by KGHM guarantee the company a leading position in the mining industry.