Warsaw, Jan 28 (Reuters) - Poland and Canada have signed an agreement to enhance cooperation in nuclear power, announced Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk on Tuesday following discussions with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.
Seeking to diminish its dependence on coal, Poland has selected Westinghouse Electric to construct its inaugural nuclear plant on the Baltic Sea coast, although financing remains partially unresolved. Plans are underway to select a partner for a second facility.
Tusk highlighted Canada as the primary provider of technology for Poland's initial nuclear plant, emphasizing the ownership of Westinghouse by Canadian firms. He underscored the significance of collaboration on small nuclear reactors (SMRs).
In 2023, Poland authorized the development of 24 SMR units at six locations, as reported by Orlen Synthos Green Energy (OSGE), a collaboration between Poland's major refiner Orlen and chemical company Synthos, with the aim of introducing the nation's first small reactors by 2030.
Tusk stressed the necessity for new energy sources for Poland to excel in cutting-edge technologies. During his meeting with Google's CEO, he conveyed the CEO's suggestion that Poland should aspire to become a hub for artificial intelligence and cybersecurity in Europe.
Tusk stated, "For Poland to lead in modern technologies and set an example for Europe, we require distinct energy sources. The expansion of large data centers necessitates additional energy provisions."