Agreement on the development of nuclear energy in Poland
The Silesian University of Technology has signed an agreement with the Polish Nuclear Power Plants company. The aim of the agreement is to jointly educate specialists in the field of nuclear energy and to develop technologies supporting the implementation of the nuclear program in Poland.
The agreement was signed by the Rector of the Silesian University of Technology, Prof. Marek Pawełczyk and Vice-President of the Management Board of Polish Nuclear Power Plants, Mr. Piotr Piela.
- The agreement consolidates and strengthens our cooperation with Polish Nuclear Power Plants.
- The Silesian University of Technology has been playing a dominant role in the energy industry for decades because the energy industry has developed significantly here in Upper Silesia. Today, of course, we are changing our approach to energy, being aware that we need a stable energy source – emphasized the Rector of the Silesian University of Technology, Prof. Marek Pawełczyk.
In 2024, the Silesian University of Technology opened a second-cycle program of studies in nuclear energy. But the University had already been training specialists in this field before.
- Our competences in this area have never ceased and have been constantly developed. This is evidenced by, among others, projects that were implemented at our University and which also determined the development policies of the country and the region. It was our scientists who played a key role in expressing opinions on this subject, which also reached decision-makers, the Rector emphasized.
Under the agreement, the Silesian University of Technology and Polish Nuclear Power Plants will jointly educate the staff necessary for the development of nuclear energy in Poland, as well as conduct research for the development of technologies applicable in the nuclear industry.
- Cooperation with the Silesian University of Technology is of great importance to us. A nuclear power plant is not only concrete and steel, but also, and perhaps above all, people – said Piotr Piela, Vice-President of the Management Board of Polish Nuclear Power Plants. - Therefore, in parallel with design and preparatory work, we conduct intensive research to build staff and competencies. We cooperate with Polish universities, including the oldest technical university in Silesia, the Silesian University of Technology. In this way, we want to create a certain foundation and ensure an appropriate number of employees who will support us in the construction and later operation of the first and subsequent nuclear power plants in Poland, but also abroad - emphasized Vice-President Piela.
The construction of nuclear power plants will require specialists not only in the field of nuclear energy, but also engineers of various specialties. – From civil engineering, environmental engineering, and automation to electrical and geology specialists. In addition, there are lawyers, economists, financiers, practically all specializations – adds Piotr Piela, Vice-President of the Management Board of Polish Nuclear Power Plants.
The construction of the first Polish nuclear power plant is divided into three main stages. The first is preparation for implementation, i.e. design, regulatory, legal, and financial work, then comes the construction phase, and the last, third stage is the operation phase.
- When implementing an investment, everything must be prepared, starting with the site itself. Today we heard from Vice-President Piotr Piela that PLN 6 billion has already been invested in preparing the infrastructure alone. That is why we are pleased that Polish Nuclear Power Plants have such great trust in us and see us as one of their main partners who is able to support them in carrying out this task - said the Rector of the Silesian University of Technology, Prof. Marek Pawełczyk.
On behalf of the Silesian University of Technology, the person responsible for the implementation of the provisions of the agreement is Dr. Hab. Eng. Łukasz Bartela, prof. SUT from the Faculty of Energy and Environmental Engineering.
- The construction of the first Polish nuclear power plant is absolutely the biggest infrastructure challenge we have ever faced in Poland. The Silesian University of Technology, which educates staff for the broadly understood nuclear energy sector, is responding to this challenge. Therefore, it is natural to conclude a cooperation agreement between our University and the Polish Nuclear Power Plants – said Prof. Bartela.
- We must invest in our own staff and technologies because this will ensure not only security, but also savings, stability and economic development of the country and the region - emphasized the Rector.
Under the agreement between the Silesian University of Technology and Polish Nuclear Power Plants, joint scientific research, expert opinions, and analyses will also be carried out. In turn, with students of nuclear energy-related fields in mind, the company will also prepare scholarship programs and paid internships for the best graduates, and will engage in co-organizing scientific competitions, research projects, and study visits.
