The National Centre for Nuclear Research (NCBJ) and Westinghouse Electric Company have signed a cooperation agreement aimed at conducting joint research in the field of nuclear energy. The activities will include technological, scientific, research and implementation projects, training initiatives and support for the domestic industry in the nuclear technology value chain.

– The construction of Poland's first nuclear power plant opens a new chapter in the history of Polish energy. The cooperation between the National Centre for Nuclear Research and Westinghouse goes even further. It is an investment in the future – in new skills, new technologies and new jobs. We are building our own value chain in nuclear energy, based on knowledge, innovation and energy security. We want Poland to be not only a recipient of technology, but also its co-creator. Together with the best partners from around the world, we are developing enormous potential that will provide our economy with new dynamism and energy independence for generations to come – says Miłosz Motyka, Minister of Energy.

– I am convinced that combining the research and technological potential of NCBJ with Westinghouse's global experience will create a strong platform for building a modern and competitive nuclear energy sector in Poland and accelerate the implementation of our nuclear programme. Our partnership is strategic in nature. We are joining forces in areas that are crucial for Poland's energy security and low-carbon transition – from research on reactor technologies, through supply chain development, to staff training and cooperation with industry – emphasizes Professor Jakub Kupecki, Director of National Centre for Nuclear Research.

– We combine our global experience with local knowledge to support a safe energy transformation. This collaboration is consistent with Westinghouse's broader strategy of developing breakthrough nuclear innovations for current and future generations of reactors around the world – comments Lou Martinez, Chief Technology Officer, Westinghouse.

The joint initiative of NCBJ and Westinghouse, the technology supplier for Poland's first nuclear power plant in Pomerania, is in line with the priorities of Poland's Energy Security Strategy and is another step towards building a strong scientific and technical base for the nuclear power plant construction programme in Poland.

The agreement between NCBJ and Westinghouse involves the exchange of knowledge and experience, as well as joint projects in areas key to the safety and development of the Polish nuclear programme. The parties will implement projects including:

• research into modern reactor technologies, including small modular reactors (SMRs)
• development of research and testing infrastructure supporting the implementation of new technological and material solutions
• cooperation in safety analyses
• operational strategies

The signed agreement is part of NCBJ's broad strategy aimed at combining science and industry in the field of nuclear energy. For years, the Institute has been supporting government administration and business entities in the process of preparing nuclear investments, conducting research in the field of engineering and reactor physics, nuclear safety, radioactive waste management, and the development of fusion technology and new-generation reactors.

The National Centre for Nuclear Research is the largest research institute in Poland, conducting scientific and implementation work in the fields of nuclear physics, energy, radiochemistry and materials technology. The institute operates the country's only research reactor, MARIA, providing unique opportunities for national and international research projects.

Westinghouse Electric Company is an American company operating in the nuclear energy industry. The company designs and builds nuclear power plants, manufactures equipment used in nuclear energy, and provides maintenance, servicing and inspection services. Westinghouse is a supplier of reactor technologies used around the world – its solutions form the basis for the operation of many existing nuclear power plants. The company has many years of experience in the development and implementation of nuclear technologies covering the entire life cycle of a power plant – from design and operation to modernisation and decommissioning.

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