The development of nuclear power requires not only investment in new power plants, but also the establishment of a strong research base, the development of technological expertise, and the strengthening of domestic supply chains. These challenges, along with opportunities for Polish-Swedish cooperation, were discussed on 19 October during a visit to Łukasiewicz – ITECH by a representative of Sweden’s RISE (Research Institutes of Sweden). The discussions focused on advanced materials technologies, research infrastructure, and prospects for joint research projects.
The Institute welcomed Per Seltborg, responsible for strategic research and business development at RISE, Sweden’s state-owned research institute that bridges scientific expertise with the needs of industry and public administration. The meeting was also attended by Professor Wacław Gudowski, an expert in reactor physics and neutron physics at the KTH Royal Institute of Technology in Stockholm, and Marcin Kardas, PhD, Deputy Director for Innovation and Implementation at the National Centre for Nuclear Research.
The visit took place against the backdrop of rapid developments in the European energy sector. Sweden, with its extensive experience in nuclear power generation, plans to expand its generating capacity by approximately 10 GW of new nuclear power capacity by 2045. Per Seltborg outlined RISE’s activities in support of these ambitions, including the development of nuclear fuel technologies, research into materials and nuclear facility safety, and efforts to establish a new research reactor. Another key element of Sweden’s strategy is preparing domestic industry to participate in nuclear energy projects, including the development of supplier qualification systems and the strengthening of scientific and technological capabilities. RISE is also involved in European research initiatives, such as EURAD-2, which focuses on radioactive waste management, and CONNECT-NM, dedicated to materials for nuclear energy applications.
Poland’s research capabilities were presented by Szymon Wiktorowicz, PhD, Head of the Technology Analysis and Development Centre at Łukasiewicz – ITECH. He outlined the Institute’s activities and the technological capabilities of the entire Łukasiewicz Research Network, highlighting solutions with potential applications in the developing nuclear power sector. These include advanced materials and protective coatings, additive manufacturing technologies, infrastructure monitoring systems, and methods for diagnostics and safety inspections of nuclear facilities. Such capabilities can support both the design and construction of new facilities and their subsequent operation.
Maciej Skuza presented the activities of the Energy Transition Research Centre, highlighting the analytical dimension of the work carried out at Łukasiewicz – ITECH. The Centre’s research focuses on the economic, technological, regulatory and social factors shaping the energy transition. Its work includes identifying barriers to the deployment of new technologies, assessing risks and developing public policy recommendations. This approach enables the development of nuclear power to be examined not only as a technological undertaking, but also as a complex process requiring appropriate regulatory frameworks, expertise, financing and cooperation among a wide range of stakeholders.
Zdzisław Galicki, Deputy Director for Administrative and Financial Affairs at Łukasiewicz – ITECH, also participated in the discussions on behalf of the Institute.
The meeting highlighted how Sweden’s experience in developing the technological and industrial capabilities needed to support nuclear power could serve as an important reference point for Poland. At the same time, the expertise of the institutes within the Łukasiewicz Research Network creates opportunities for the Polish research community to participate in international technological projects.
