Bechtel, the U.S. engineering and construction company, will join forces with Westinghouse Electric Company to pursue a new nuclear energy project in Poland; both companies announced the agreement this Thursday.
Firstly, the news follows a prior agreement between the companies, under which Bechtel would provide the Front-End Engineering and Design study for a plant in Poland using proven Westinghouse AP1000 reactors. We reported it back in June 30; however, the full study will take around 12 months.
Secondly, the new agreement will have both companies collaborating on ways to fully develop a nuclear plant in Poland; as the nation is searching for ways to achieve energy independence, while lowering its carbon footprint.
Thirdly, about the matter, Barbara Rusinko, president of Bechtel’s Nuclear, Security & Environmental global business unit, said. “Nuclear power holds great promise as a clean and reliable supply of energy for Poland.”
She also remarked. “Poland is taking steps to transition to a clean energy economy; while retaining its energy independence and security. The Westinghouse-Bechtel team offers proven technology and hands-on experience in nuclear project delivery; and is also ready to immediately support Poland’s transformative vision.”
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Bechtel with the know-how and Westinghouse with the technology
Moreover, Bechtel’s experience on the matter is proven; in fact, it has designed, built; and also provided services to 80 nuclear reactors in the United States and 150 worldwide; across all major reactor designs.
Indeed, Bechtel was the company chosen to complete the only two new U.S. nuclear power plants of the 21st century; the Watts Bar Unit 2 in Tennessee, which came online in 2016; and most recently Vogtle Units 3 & 4 in the U.S. state of Georgia.
On the other hand, Westinghouse technology is prevalent in more than half of the world’s nuclear sites. In fact, its proven technology of the AP1000 reactors is outperforming industry standards in Sanmen and Haiyung, China.
Consequently, Rusinko added. “The best practices developed by both companies will be a great benefit to Polish energy transition.” Finally, she concluded. “The pursuit will be informed by actual, on-the-ground experience at active nuclear construction sites and operating plants.”
