Poland signs deal with South Korea to build second nuclear plant

- Poland needs sources of cheap and stable energy, says deputy PM

Poland has signed a letter of intent with South Korea for the country's second nuclear power plant on Monday, following a deal signed at the end of October with the US for the first nuclear plant.

According to a statement released by Polish energy company ZE PAK, PGE Group and ZE PAK signed the agreement in Seoul with South Korean nuclear power plant operator Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power Co.

Polish authorities announced on Oct. 28 that they had reached an agreement with the US Westinghouse for the first nuclear power plant.

'We need sources of cheap and stable energy in Poland. Nuclear energy is essential in Polish conditions, especially in the current geopolitical situation. We welcome the information that ZE PAK and PGE have entered into talks with KHNP, which will further strengthen relations between Poland and South Korea. Certainly, this would be the next step in strengthening business cooperation between our countries and a great opportunity for knowledge and experience transfer,' said Jacek Sasin, the Polish deputy prime minister and minister of State Assets.

Changyang Lee, Korean minister of Trade, Industry and Energy described the project as an achievement supported by the Korean government’s firm determination and policy to export nuclear plants.

He said the project represents the first time in 13 years that Korea has exported nuclear power since exports to the UAE in 2009.

'Also, once the final contract is made, we anticipate that it will greatly contribute to revitalizing the domestic nuclear industry by providing the nuclear industry struggling with lack of business with work. Moreover, the project will be an opportunity for the level and depth of cooperation in the industrial and economic sectors between our two countries to be broadened,' he added.

By Murat Temizer

Anadolu Agency

energy@aa.com.tr