ORLEN and Synthos secure U.S. SMR technology access, equal rights, and Wloclawek site approval for Poland’s first BWRX-300 reactor.
ORLEN and Synthos have finalized an agreement that marks a major step forward in developing Poland’s first small modular reactor (SMR) nuclear power plant. The agreement equalizes partner rights, secures access to advanced U.S. nuclear technology, and officially designates Wloclawek as the first project site. This breakthrough establishes the foundation for the country’s inaugural SMR facility, which is expected to play a vital role in reshaping Poland’s future energy system.
The negotiations, which extended for more than a year, concluded with an operating model for OSGE, the joint venture between ORLEN and Synthos Green Energy. The Supervisory Board of ORLEN approved the agreement, enabling the project to move into the execution phase. Ireneusz Fafara, President of ORLEN’s Management Board, emphasized that Poland will be home to the first BWRX-300 reactor in Europe, highlighting the strategic importance of gaining direct access to U.S. technology and ensuring secure delivery of the project.
The deal between ORLEN and Synthos is built on two central pillars. First, a revised shareholder agreement and updated articles of association guarantee both companies equal equity stakes of 50%. These amendments strengthen ORLEN’s influence in corporate decision-making while ensuring balanced rights for both shareholders. Second, a licensing arrangement grants OSGE access to the BWRX-300 reactor’s Standard Design, developed by U.S.-based GE Vernova, recognized as the most advanced SMR technology globally. This license empowers OSGE to move forward with construction plans in Wloclawek, where a dedicated special purpose vehicle under ORLEN’s control will oversee the project.
The agreement also clarifies governance structures. Both ORLEN and Synthos will rotate the appointment of top leadership roles every three years, starting with Synthos naming the first President of the Management Board and ORLEN designating the initial Chair of the Supervisory Board. A Steering Committee is being established to supervise the agreement’s implementation, handle operational issues, and provide oversight of special purpose vehicles that will manage subsequent SMR projects across Poland.
Wloclawek’s selection as the priority site underscores its strategic relevance to ORLEN’s broader energy strategy. Beyond the first project, the ORLEN Group aims to expand its SMR fleet significantly. As outlined in its corporate strategy The Energy of Tomorrow Starts Today, ORLEN plans to commission at least two SMR units with a combined capacity of 0.6 GW by 2035.
The adoption of BWRX-300 technology signals a transformative shift in Poland’s energy sector. By partnering with Synthos and securing advanced reactor designs from the United States, ORLEN is positioning itself and the country at the forefront of European nuclear innovation. This development not only enhances Poland’s energy security but also supports broader goals of low-carbon energy transition, technological leadership, and long-term sustainability.
