The nuclear energy sector is not a sector for all companies. Preparation for participation in the construction of a nuclear power plant is costly and time-consuming, which is why there should be systematic state support for these firms, says Monika Silva, deputy director general of the Chamber of Industry of Energy and Environmental Protection (IGEiOŚ).
Around 121 Polish companies have completed more than one project in the global nuclear sector. An additional 231 firms have declared readiness to participate in nuclear projects. The turbine island, conventional instrumentation and all external infrastructure elements are within the reach of Polish companies. However, Silva warns that expectations of a massive Polish involvement in building the country’s first nuclear plant may be overly optimistic.
– The nuclear sector is not for all companies – Silva told WNP. – If we assume that a large number of Polish firms will work on the construction of the nuclear power plant, we must say that these assumptions are simply wrong. Why? Because nuclear energy has its own rules, its own quality regimes and safety regimes. So the announcements that we will build 100 percent of our nuclear power plant ourselves are simply incorrect from the outset.
Strategic decisions and state support needed
Polish companies will participate in the construction only when they are ready for it. – This is a sector only for those who understand nuclear energy and are able to adapt to the demanding quality standards that apply in the nuclear sector – adds Silva. Meeting these standards involves huge financial outlays and is also quite time-consuming. Therefore, state support is necessary to help Polish firms prepare for nuclear projects.
– Answering the question whether it will be a big rain or a small rain, one must say that everything depends on us. On us, on the companies that must understand what the nuclear sector is and must make a strategic decision to switch their operations from conventional to nuclear. These companies must take enormous risk, without guarantees of receiving orders – explains Silva.
An essential condition is also the creation of an entire ecosystem that will support companies willing to engage in the nuclear project. Here, the state and all kinds of agencies, government and local government institutions have an important role to play.
Conventional parts are within Polish reach
Silva reminds that a nuclear power plant, apart from its heart – the nuclear island – does not differ from a conventional plant in the remaining parts. – The turbine island, conventional instrumentation and all external infrastructure elements are absolutely within the reach of Polish companies. They are not subject to such a strict quality regime as the nuclear island and are within the reach of Polish firms – she stresses.
When asked whether Poland can force the technology supplier and contractor to increase the share of Polish companies, or can only appeal to their good will, Silva points to EU law. – We are in the European Union and we base on European law, so maintaining appropriate competitiveness of provisions also applies to Poland. But on the other hand, there are modern legal tools that help the investor modify the contract so as to reward local content. We are talking about short supply chains and new legal solutions that the EU sends us. The Net Zero Industry Act or Industrial Acceleration Act are legal forms that allow local content to be located very regionally, so as to rely on security of supply and independence of the European, but also local, supply chain – she indicates.
The number of Polish companies with experience in working for the nuclear sector in the world, Europe and also in Poland is growing. Currently, the Maria research reactor in Świerk is being modernised and components such as pumps are already being supplied by Polish companies. It is estimated that 121 Polish firms have carried out more than one project in the nuclear sector worldwide. Additionally, 231 companies have declared readiness – after meeting appropriate quality and certification goals – to build the plant, especially in the conventional part.
Silva notes that many contracts in the nuclear energy sector contain a clause on non-disclosure of information. Therefore, almost every month we learn about new experiences of Polish companies around the world, because these firms have completed the confidentiality period and can now boast about their achievements.
Źródło: WNP.PL, Fot. WNP.PL
