Solovov est sur le point de conquérir la Grande-Bretagne.

Polish billionaire Michał Sołowow is advancing a bold initiative to construct 14 small modular nuclear reactors (SMRs) in the United Kingdom, marking a significant step toward expanding nuclear energy production in both Britain and Poland. This ambitious project, valued at £35 billion (approximately 175 billion zloty), involves multiple international partners and represents a major investment in clean energy infrastructure. The plan includes building a total of 4.2 gigawatts (GW) of nuclear generating capacity, sufficient to meet about 11 percent of the UK's electricity demand.

The proposed reactors are of the BWRX-300 type, a design developed by GE Vernova Hitachi Nuclear Energy. These reactors are designed to be manufactured in factories and then transported to installation sites, offering a faster and more cost-efficient method compared to traditional large-scale nuclear plants. The project involves several key partners, including Samsung C&T, Laing O’Rourke, Aecon Group Inc., Google Cloud, Fermi Development, Etara, and an unnamed but experienced nuclear operator. Additionally, the initiative is backed by the UK’s Advanced Nuclear Framework (ANF), a government-led program aimed at supporting private sector involvement in nuclear energy development.

Sołowow, who ranks among the wealthiest individuals in Poland, has expressed confidence in the UK's ability to facilitate the successful implementation of such a project. He emphasized the UK’s strong nuclear workforce and the clarity of regulatory pathways offered by the ANF. According to reports, the project plans to utilize a Contract for Difference (CfD) framework, ensuring a guaranteed price for the generated electricity and shielding investors from market fluctuations. This financial structure is intended to prevent consumers from bearing any initial costs associated with the project prior to the reactors' operational phase.

The BWRX-300 reactor technology has already passed critical safety assessments in the UK. In December 2025, it successfully completed the second stage of the Generic Design Assessment (GDA) conducted by the Environment Agency, Office for Nuclear Regulation, and Natural Resources Wales. Regulatory authorities confirmed that there were no identified deficiencies in terms of safety, physical protection, nuclear safeguards, or environmental protection that could hinder the deployment of the technology in England and Wales. This approval is crucial for moving forward with the project, as it provides assurance regarding the reactor’s compliance with stringent safety standards.

Beyond the UK, Sołowow is also pushing for similar developments in Poland. Through his company Orlen Synthos Green Energy (OSGE), a joint venture with the Polish state-owned energy giant Orlen, he has requested the Polish government to initiate a support mechanism for deploying a fleet of SMRs within the country. OSGE aims to install 14 BWRX-300 reactors across three locations in Poland, with long-term ambitions of constructing up to 26 reactors. This effort aligns with broader European trends toward diversifying energy sources and reducing reliance on fossil fuels.

Public sentiment in Poland appears mixed regarding the potential deployment of SMRs. While nearly 60 percent of respondents support the general idea of constructing SMRs in the country, only 45 percent would favor having one built in their local area. However, support increases significantly if the reactors are projected to lower energy bills, reaching 56 percent in such scenarios. This suggests that while there is optimism about the benefits of nuclear energy, concerns remain about local impacts and public perception.

As the project moves forward, the collaboration between private entities and governmental frameworks will play a pivotal role in determining its success. The involvement of global tech firms like Google Cloud highlights the potential integration of nuclear energy into modern digital infrastructure, potentially supporting data centers and other high-energy consumption sectors. With the UK's regulatory environment and technological readiness, the initiative could serve as a blueprint for future nuclear energy projects in Europe and beyond.