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The fact that hydrogen technology offers an opportunity for the Świętokrzyskie and Poland’s development in many respects was discussed at the conference of the Central Hydrogen Cluster held within the scope of the Enex Expo in the Kielce exhibition and congress centre. Świętokrzyskie Industrial Group Industria has struck cooperation with the Rolls-Royce SMR, a manufacturer of small nuclear reactors.

The President of the Industrial Development Agency, Cezariusz Lesisz, pointed out that cooperation with Rolls-Royce SMR is a great opportunity for the Świętokrzyskie region and companies from the capital group.  - We are a reliable partner, and Polish companies can be a suitable partner for cooperation in the construction of modular nuclear reactors - he said.

- This is a great proposal which makes the most of local intellectual and technological potential and the best universities - emphasised Ireneusz Zyska, Deputy Minister of Climate and Environment.

Szczepan Ruman, president of Industria, explained that decarbonisation and implementation of hydrogen technology may offer the opportunity to create new companies and jobs.

Industria intends to build a supply chain for parts and modules used in the production of small nuclear reactors for the Polish and foreign markets. The company plans to build three SMR reactors to decarbonise the regional energy infrastructure and to produce green hydrogen.  – We are ambitious but realistic in our approach. The first reactor may be built in 2032 – announced President Ruman.

Polish companies - suppliers of Rolls-Royce SMR

The reactor production technology presented by Rolls-Royce may offer an opportunity for Polish companies - these may be involved in production of components and thus enter the supply chain.

- Specialised parts, modules and components are in needed. By entering the supply chain, our companies, by the same virtue supply for the export chain and investments in other countries - explained Szczepan Ruman at Targi Kielce.

The Rolls-Royce SMR proposal is a small nuclear reactor built by the company in the end-to-enf turn-key mode. - They consist of about 40 million components,  therefore, cooperation with other companies is crucial. We will cooperate with the Industria group to create a supply chains to bring together all constructors and subcontractors when delivering a project. Together with Industria, we will look for opportunities to cooperate with small and medium-sized companies from the Świętokrzyskie region - explained Alan Woods, director of development at  Rolls-Royce SMR Strategy and Development.

Rolls-Royce among reactors

The discussion included the aspect of companies’ preparation for this technology. The Mayor of Kielce, Bogdan Wenta, highlighted the social aspect. - Many residents are concerned that these reactors may be harmful -  he stressed. Alan Woods explained that the company's offer is safe and based on refined technology. - After all, this is a Rolls-Royce among reactors - recapitulated Szczepan Ruman. 

/MŚ/