Japan, Poland sign nuclear energy deal

Part of the agreement are information exchange and human resource development.

Japan and Poland have signed a memorandum of understanding that aims to develop collaboration in various areas including nuclear energy.

According to the Japan Atomic Industrial Forum, officials from both countries met on 7 November to discuss “the establishment of solid, robust nuclear supply chains through the development and installation of nuclear reactors in Poland, including small modular reactors (SMRs).”

Poland, which is currently dependent on coal-fired thermal power, plans to build six large light-water reactors (LWRs) by the year 2043 and eyes industrial promotion of SMRs. In November 2022, it announced plans to build three large-scale AP1000 reactors.

Under the agreement, both parties will exchange information and conduct seminars and workshops, as well as engage in company matching in the areas of human resource development, the enhancement of public understanding, and nuclear safety.

They will also educate the public about the need for nuclear power, including back-end measures, namely, the management of radioactive waste and decommissioning in accordance with international standards.