The Westinghouse-Bechtel Consortium, with the support of Polskie Elektrownie Jądrowe, has organized the eighth edition of Supplier Days aimed at Polish entrepreneurs interested in participating in the construction of the nuclear power plant at the Lubiatowo-Kopalino site. The event, attended by representatives of key companies for the project from the construction, road, mechanical and electrical equipment manufacturing sectors, was held on 10-11 June in Sopot.
Both PEJ and the Consortium see a common strategic interest in cooperating with Polish companies, which have a real chance not only to participate in our project, but also, thanks to it, to raise their level of organizational and technical development and increase their competitiveness in export markets. Complying with the demanding requirements specific to the nuclear industry will enable Polish companies to compete for contracts in projects in other countries and to be included in the global nuclear supply chain.
Supplier Days in Sopot were attended by around 100 Polish companies, almost half of which represented Pomerania. Such high participation of entities from the region where the first nuclear power plant will be built was possible, among other things, thanks to the cooperation with the Pomerania Development Agency, which supports PEJ in building connections with the Pomeranian business sector. The second day of the conference involved individual meetings between PEJ experts and representatives of companies with the aim of clarifying any doubts related to the ongoing investment project.
Presentations and subsequent discussions addressed the possibility of entering the supply chain of the Pomeranian nuclear project as well as its progress, including ongoing and planned procurement procedures led by both the Consortium and PEJ. During the event, participants learned that Polish suppliers aspiring to join the project must meet certain requirements, including compliance with ISO 90001 standards regarding work and supplies for the balance of plant.
However, more stringent requirements apply for the Augmented Nuclear Island (aNI). Thanks to the joint efforts of Westinghouse and PEJ, for more than half a year six Polish companies have been participating in the process of developing and implementing procedures and instructions to achieve compliance with the requirements of the U.S. quality assurance standard (NQA-1), which is required in the nuclear industry.
Supplier Days are one of several initiatives undertaken by the Westinghouse-Bechtel Consortium and PEJ to support the establishment of the supply chain in Poland for the first nuclear power plant. A full room of participants at the subsequent, 8th meeting, confirms the enormous potential for both Pomerania and the entire Polish economy. We are helping local businesses with great commitment and determination so that when the next tenders are launched, these companies are ready to submit competitive bids, as they will be equipped with the appropriate competencies and certificates.
The Westinghouse-Bechtel Consortium, together with the client, PEJ, have consistently pursued a plan to involve Polish companies as widely as possible in the construction of Poland's first nuclear power plant, which is key for the transition of the energy sector and the stable economic development of Poland and the region. Proper communication with the market and businesses is one of the key success factors for building a reliable supply chain based on the largest possible involvement of the local content. We are pleased with the high interest and participation of Polish companies in this conference.
Supplier Days is a regular initiative that not only brings together key suppliers interested in becoming part of the nuclear sector but also helps understand procurement processes by providing guidance on models and standards of cooperation or technical requirements. Supplier Days will continue in the future and the company together with the Consortium are already inviting all interested entrepreneurs to participate in future events.
