Six Polish companies have cleared the second stage of the ASME NQA-1 (Nuclear Quality Assurance-1) qualification for nuclear-sector suppliers and are now entering a final production test. They will have to build trial module elements, or mock-ups, to prove that their quality systems work in practice.
The qualification effort is coordinated by Westinghouse, the AP1000 reactor technology supplier, together with Polskie Elektrownie Jądrowe, the investor behind Poland’s first nuclear power plant planned in Choczewo. Meeting the American NQA-1 standard is a key condition for companies that want to bid for components, services and works in AP1000 projects.
During the second stage, the companies focused on the shift from quality-system development to practical production readiness. They prepared procedures, manufacturing instructions, workshop drawings and detailed production plans. Personnel responsible for non-destructive testing (NDT/NDE) and welding were qualified, internal auditors were trained, and systems for schedule management and progress monitoring were introduced. NDT makes it possible to assess materials, welds and components without damaging their structure.
Mock-ups will decide if the systems really work
The third and final stage is about execution. Each firm must use the technical documentation, procedures and solutions developed earlier to make trial module elements matching its competence area. Those mock-ups will then be inspected to see if the company can produce in line with ASME NQA-1 requirements.
– The transition to this final stage demonstrates that Polish companies are effectively developing competences, investing in quality and adapting to the highest standards of the nuclear industry. This is how we see our role as the investor responsible for developing the national nuclear supply chain. Through our activities, we create real opportunities for Polish firms to participate in the project, while supporting the competences, experience and know-how that will remain in Poland for years – said Marek Woszczyk, president of Polskie Elektrownie Jądrowe.
A seventh supplier has already joined the race
Seven companies are currently taking part in the qualification run by Westinghouse. Six of them have completed the second stage, and in April ZBUD from Dąbrowa Tarnowska was added to the group. ZBUD makes specialist lifting equipment, and its competences may be used for the Polar Crane on the nuclear island.
– We are full of admiration for the pace at which Polish companies are adapting their quality assurance systems and building competences to meet the requirements set for nuclear suppliers. The launch of the third stage confirms that domestic firms can quickly adjust to new standards and have huge potential to play an important role in the project of the first Polish nuclear power plant – said Mirosław Kowalik, president of Westinghouse Polska.
– Together with Polskie Elektrownie Jądrowe, we encourage more Polish companies to follow a similar path, which can open access to global markets through participation in the supply chain for planned nuclear power investments – added Kowalik.
Expanding the pool of companies ready to work in the nuclear sector strengthens the supply chain for the Choczewo project and supports local content by increasing the share of domestic entities in strategic investments.
Source: WNP.PL, Photo: Bashar Creates / Shutterstock
