Nuclear energy and new-generation nuclear technologies

Absolute prerequisites for the successful launch of the nuclear energy industry in Poland are the following: thorough needs analysis, selection of adequate new-generation nuclear technologies, smooth and transparent business development process. The latter will decide whether Poland ranks among nuclear industry leaders in Europe.

Crowley Infrastructure Development Group spearheads the innovative Master Developer model for the delivery of comprehensive infrastructure solutions in Poland. Vital assets of the company are its experts, with their international competence and local experience, focus on advanced technologies, and the company's partners. In collaboration with our partners and leaders of the global nuclear industry, such as Westinghouse, PMBR and Lightbridge, the company planned to launch state-of-the-art, high temperature nuclear reactors (HTR) in Poland, allowing the country to bridge the energy gap forecasted to appear in 20 years, as well as prepare and launch the gas and liquid fuel production technology based on thermonuclear processing of hard coal by using waste heat from the reactors.

Using the Master Developer model proven in the nuclear industry, CIDG is in a position to facilitate the achievement of project milestones. Under MD, the economic model, business plan and feasibility study will be delivered. The MD will also generate a financing plan for the project budget, totalling a few billion dollars, including the sources of funding and potential opportunities for refinancing by the European Union. Among example areas of the Master Developer model application by CIDG is the nuclear installation for hard coal gasification. In close collaboration with the infrastructure suppliers, PBMR and Westinghouse, CIDG will plan and coordinate the installation and construction process, as well as oversee the launch of high temperature reactors.

The objective of the research programme is to establish the foundations for the development of the nuclear sector in Poland, also by building the experience and expertise of the Polish research personnel, and by practical application of IAE's research and studies. We expect that it will take 15 years to complete the programme, and the associated cost will total PLN 400 million.

Strengths of the technology

The technologies offered by CIDG's partners, leaders of the global nuclear industry: Westinghouse, PBMR and Lightbridge, use plutonium from spent nuclear fuel. The volume of waste generated by the proposed technology is relatively small as compared with other nuclear energy and fuel production methods. The use of thorium in the reactor's fuel cycle will materially increase the volume of available nuclear fuels, reduce the toxicity of spent fuel and markedly reduce plutonium content in spent nuclear fuel.

CIDG's role
The role of CIDG is to design a business model for the project, as well as create and manage the individual subprojects. Particularly important components of the first stage of the undertaking are a thorough needs analysis, selection of the appropriate tools and establishment of a transparent and smooth business development process. In close collaboration with the infrastructure suppliers, PBMR, Westinghouse and Lightbridge, CIDG will plan and coordinate the installation and construction process, as well as oversee the launch of high temperature reactors and Lightbridge's fuel plant.

CIDG will prepare the financing plan for the entire project, along with sources of financing and use of the available re-financing from the European Union. At the pre-project stage, CIDG, in collaboration with the American partners, will prepare and coordinate the implementation of the project:

• its legislative aspects
• education of managerial staff to implement the project
• organisation of training for the future staff based on e-learning at various levels – from technicians to PhDs
• organisation of design department.

The development of new-generation nuclear technologies and use of hard coal as a raw material for fuel production may become an important factor in the development of the mining industry in Poland. Taking advantage of the opportunity nuclear technologies open up for coal processing may become a stimulus for the restructuring process in the mining sector.