October 8, 2025 (Wednesday)
Part I - DIAGNOSTICS AND SERVICING OF EQUIPMENT IN NUCLEAR POWER SECTOR
Andrzej Sidło – Departament Energii Jądrowej Ministerstwa Energii
URRENT STATUS OF THE POLISH NUCLEAR PROGRAM
The presentation outlines the current status of the Polish nuclear energy program. In particular, it highlights the current status of the first project (Lubiatowo-Kopalino) and the state of activities at the national level. The focus is on presenting issues related to the preparation and engagement of the national industry in the project in Poland and involvement of Polish companies in the global supply chains of the nuclear sector. The last part presents the state of nuclear legislation in Poland – mainly the technical aspects regarding the standardization of international nuclear technical standards and the inspection of the supply chain under the jurisdiction of the Technical Supervision Authority.
--------------------
Javier Barroso, Byron Ginter - Westinghouse Electric Company LLC
WESTINGHOUSE DIGITAL OPTIMIZATION FOR OPERATIONS AND MAINTENANCE
Westinghouse will present its global experience and success stories in enhancing equipment reliability, implementing advanced monitoring strategies, and managing obsolescence across nuclear facilities. Central to this approach is the OptiLife™ platform, a comprehensive suite of digital tools, products, and services designed to support utilities in optimizing operations and maximizing performance. By integrating cutting-edge digital technologies, proprietary datasets, and subject matter experts, OptiLife™ delivers end-to-end solutions that empower utilities to make data-driven decisions, extend asset life, and improve plant efficiency.
--------------------
Paweł Smoliński - Urząd Dozoru Technicznego
TASKS OF THE OFFICE OF TECHNICAL INSPECTION IN THE FIELD OF NUCLEAR ENERGY
For decades, the Office of Technical Inspection (UDT) has been a key element of the system guaranteeing the safe operation of power plants and combined heat and power plants operating in Poland, and the related energy security of the country. In the area of nuclear energy, UDT is assigned a number of responsibilities related to verifying the quality level and compliance with stringent technical standards of equipment operating in nuclear power plants. This presentation will outline the main responsibilities of UDT, the types of equipment covered by technical inspection, and the current status of nuclear project implementation in Poland from UDT's perspective.
--------------------
Jerzy Trzeszczyński – Pro Novum sp. z o.o.
LOCAL CONTENT IN THE FIELD OF SERVICING AND DIAGNOSING NEW ENERGY DEVICES AS AN IMPORTANT ELEMENT OF ENERGY SECURITY AND SOVEREIGNTY
If the nuclear project is implemented according to the current plan, the first nuclear unit will begin operation no earlier than 2036. Most coal-fired units will reach the end of their lifespan around 2030, and service and diagnostic companies have been scaling back their operations for some time. During this time, the technological local content for equipment supply and maintenance will likely consist of foreign companies registered in Poland. Energy sovereignty will have to be redefined, accepting its limitations. Is there still time to implement this process with greater benefits for the Polish energy sector?
--------------------
Juraj Vanovcan - Kurita Polska sp. z o.o.
DECADES OF EXPERTISE: KURITA’S UNIQUE TECHNOLOGIES FOR NUCLEAR COOLING WATER MANAGEMENT (ENSURING SAFETY, COMPLIANCE, AND OPERATIONAL CONTINUITY)
Water treatment is essential for maintaining the performance, safety, and longevity of nuclear power stations. The large volumes of water used in cooling systems are prone to issues such as scaling, corrosion, biofouling, and sediment accumulation, which can impair heat transfer efficiency and damage critical infrastructure. To prevent these problems, comprehensive treatment programs—including raw water pretreatment, chemical dosing, biocide application, and monitoring—are implemented to control water quality and system integrity. Proper cooling water treatment ensures optimal thermal performance, reduces operational risks, complies with environmental regulations, and supports the safe, continuous operation of nuclear facilities. Kurita has decades of experience in water treatment in nuclear power industry and has introduced several unique technologies in this field.
--------------------
Grzegorz Pakuła - Grupa POWEN-WAFAPOMP SA
POLISH PUMP SUPPLIES FOR NUCLEAR POWER PLANTS - OPPORTUNITIES AND THREATS
This paper discusses the Grupa POWEN-WAFAPOMP SA's preparations to enter the supply chain for nuclear power plants as a supplier of pumps for both the nuclear and turbine islands. These activities include organizational changes, the development of special procedures consistent with standards specifying quality assurance requirements in the nuclear industry, the implementation of a nuclear safety culture, and investments in technological equipment for production and non-destructive testing. New solutions are being implemented through pilot projects. Risks are highlighted, including the need for high expenditures without a guarantee of securing orders, the lack of precise definition of required standards well in advance, and the need to compete with foreign companies that have previously received state aid for implementing nuclear technologies. Recommendations for reducing these barriers are discussed. The paper also presents proposals for companies in the Polish energy sector with the appropriate technical potential to combine their competencies.
--------------------
Mateusz Cybulski, Marek Lipnicki, Krzysztof Mroczek, Rafał Obłąkowski - Koli Sp. z o.o.
ULTRASONIC PHASED ARRAY INSPECTION OF FIR-TREE BLADE ROOTS ON L-O STAGES, BOTH TURBINE AND GENERATOR SIDES IN NUCLEAR POWER PLAN IN SWEDEN
In this paper, authors present research and development (R&D) work done for creating complete testing system including advanced scanner and array probe, validation process, testing procedure and conducting inspection of fir-tree hooks on curved grooves of L-0 blades roots mounted on low pressure (LP) turbine rotors, during overhaul downtime in nuclear powerplant in Sweden.
--------------------
Małgorzata Frelek-Kozak - Laboratorium Badań Materiałowych, Narodowe Centrum Badań Jądrowych
INVESTIGATION OF MATERIALS FOR NUCLEAR TECHNOLOGIES
Materials employed in nuclear technologies are subjected to a variety of demanding service conditions, including elevated temperature, complex stress fields, exposure to corrosive coolants, and intense radiation. Furthermore, many crucial components of nuclear installations are not replaceable during their operational lifetime. For this reason, materials used in the nuclear industry are designed to operate for several decades, during which their performance must ensure safe and reliable service. Consequently, materials in the nuclear sector must satisfy strict requirements, and their condition is continuously monitored to guarantee operational safety.
This presentation addresses the effects of radiation environment on structural materials and provides a brief review of methodologies for assessing their condition. Both destructive and non-destructive evaluation techniques, combined with the principal monitoring parameters, will be discussed.
--------------------
Mariusz Banaszkiewicz, Huascar Lorini, Frank Biesinger – GE Vernova Inc.
UPGRADING AND SERVICING OF LARGE NUCLEAR STEAM TURBINES
The nuclear energy industry is experiencing renewed growth due to rising electricity demand and a focus on low-carbon energy sources. In many countries, the growth is promoted by government support and accelerated by technological advancements. Presently, more than 70 gigawatts of new nuclear capacity are under construction globally and more than 40 countries around the world have plans to expand the role of nuclear power in their energy systems.
In addition to new builds, an increase in nuclear capacity is also possible through uprating of existing nuclear power plants. Reactor thermal power up rates are usually associated with steam turbine upgrades which result in power output increase, lifetime extension, reliability improvement and reduction in maintenance costs.
GE Vernova offers a wide range of upgrade solutions and services for large (around 1000 MW or more power output) nuclear steam turbines. These include retrofits of high-pressure and low-pressure turbine modules, component upgrades, uprate feasibility studies and outage deferment studies. These offerings are based on extensive experience with nuclear steam turbines, recent developments in steam turbine technology and employ state-of-the-art engineering tools and methods in project execution.
--------------------
Łukasz Płatek – Energoremont sp. z o.o.
ROBOTIZED EXCHANGER SERVICE – COBRA™ TECHNOLOGY FACING THE CHALLENGES OF THE NUCLEAR SECTOR
This presentation highlights the importance of robotics in nuclear power plant repairs, emphasizing the growing requirements for safety, precision, and reduced downtime. It highlights how traditional methods are becoming insufficient in the face of challenges such as aging infrastructure and operating in a high-risk environment. It presents the "Cobra™ robotic version" technology and its application in pipe dismantling, and also presents solutions enabling its use in nuclear environments – including the dismantling of decommissioned steam generators. It also discusses organizational, personnel, and integration aspects, and highlights the benefits and potential limitations of robotics.
--------------------
Sławomir Rajca, Radosław Stanek, Wojciech Sikorski – Pro Novum sp. z o.o.
DIAGNOSTICS, REPAIRS AND SERVICE OF TURBO-GENERATOR COMPONENTS FROM NUCLEAR AND MODERN CONVENTIONAL POWER UNITS
For nearly 40 years, Pro Novum has specialized in the diagnostics, repair, and servicing of long-operated steam turbines within turbo-generator sets, which continue to play a crucial role in the safe transition of the Polish energy sector. Our extensive expertise, acquired through this experience, is now applied in the diagnostics of the latest generation of steam turbines and generators, wind turbines, as well as turbine-generator sets in nuclear power plants.
This paper presents selected examples of diagnostics and repairs, including the generator rotor from the Khmelnitsky Nuclear Power Plant (Ukraine), short-service-life rotors of the latest generation steam turbines, and diagnostic services overseeing the safe operation of repaired components. These diagnostic services are performed remotely using advanced structural modelling technologies and safety assessment methods.
October 9–10, 2025 (Thursday–Friday)
Part II – DIAGNOSTICS AND SERVICING OF EQUIPMENT IN CONVENTIONAL POWER SECTOR
Radosław Stanek, Jerzy Trzeszczyński – Pro Novum sp. z o.o.
DIAGNOSTIC SERVICE IN THE LTDSA FORMULA AS A SOURCE OF BENEFITS FOR THE INVESTOR AND USER OF NEW ENERGY DEVICES
At least the most technologically advanced components of new power units and equipment, including combined cycle and gas units, are covered by the supplier's long-term service agreement (LTSA). This ensures the safety and availability of the equipment for the investor/user, while simultaneously limiting their knowledge of its current technical condition. LTSA service creates an additional, significant source of revenue for the supplier by influencing the maintenance strategy. Concurrent LTDSA (Long-Time Diagnostic Service Agreement) service balances the supplier's and user's competencies in maintaining the technical condition, which is particularly important when troubleshooting problems related to identifying the causes of irregularities, especially those of an emergency nature.
--------------------
Waldemar Szulc - Towarzystwo Gospodarcze Polskie Elektrownie
MAINTAINING COMPETENCE IN THE ENERGY SECTOR
The energy sector is and will remain a crucial sector for economic operation and development. The primary task for this sector is to secure continuous energy supplies at acceptable cost level. Accelerating technological transformation, particularly in the generation subsector, is resulting in a widespread desire to replace traditional fossil fuel-based energy and heat sources with new renewable sources. Public discussion is also suggesting the need to accelerate the decommissioning of coal-fired power plants, sometimes as early as within the next 10 years. The costs of the EU ETS system and deteriorating energy market conditions for coal-fired sources are leading to a loss of economic justification for their continued operation. Therefore, a natural consequence is a reduction in expenditures on maintaining generating assets in coal-fired power plants and retaining essential operating and maintenance personnel with appropriate professional competencies.
At the same time, National Power System (KSE) operators emphasize the need to continue maintaining controllable coal-fired sources as a guarantee of power balance and the delivery of system and quality services for the safe operation of the system, despite the significantly declining energy production from these sources. At the same time, ambitious plans for the construction of numerous new gas-fired units are being published, without providing realistic timelines for the availability of new gas-fired capacity to replace the decommissioned coal-fired capacity.
There is no comprehensive technological transformation plan with a realistic, real-world schedule for shutting down coal-fired power plants when they can be replaced with other controllable generation sources. Such a plan will allow for the objective selection of individual units, specifying their end-of-life dates, thus optimizing the maintenance costs of employees and equipment and securing financing sources. Establishing coordinated shutdown dates for old and new controllable power units is essential to developing a plan to secure staff with the necessary competencies for safe operation. The absence of such a plan will result in premature permanent shutdown of power plants, despite their technical capability to operate and meet the needs of balancing the National Power System (KSE).
A Road Map for technological transformation is necessary, taking into account KSE safety conditions, investment conditions, and economic conditions.
--------------------
Jerzy Król - ENEA Elektrownia Połaniec S.A.
Jerzy Trzeszczyński – Pro Novum sp. z o.o.
MODERNIZATION OF POWER UNITS AT ENEA ELEKTROWNIA POŁANIEC SA TO MEET LEGAL REQUIREMENTS AND NEW POWER UNIT OPERATION REGIM
Modernization of 200MW units is aimed at extending their operational life, increasing flexibility, and reducing emissions, particularly CO2 emissions to 550g/kWh. This is accompanied by measures to ensure safety and availability. Enea Elektrownia Połaniec SA is considering solutions that would identify risks associated with flexible operation and adapt the units to the new operating mode.
--------------------
Zbigniew Pałucki - VEOLIA Energia Poznań SA
Radosław Stanek – Pro Novum sp. z o.o.
BENEFITS OF DIAGNOSTIC SUPERVISION PERFORMED USING THE PROGNOZA PRO® PROGRAM IN THE CONTEXT OF FURTHER OPERATION OF THE BC-50 DUOBLOCK AT VEOLIA ENERGIA POZNAŃ S.A.
The paper describes the significance and benefits of diagnostic supervision carried out using the Prognoza PRO® software in the context of the continued operation of the BC-50 double unit at Veolia Energia Poznań S.A. In the Polish power industry, remote diagnostic supervision already has a nearly 20-year tradition and the potential for further development, both with regard to new units and those operating in the final phase of their service life. The diagnostic supervision, which has been in place for more than four years, provides not only up-to-date information on the technical condition but also serves as a source of knowledge enabling:
- verification of service life forecasts,
- shaping of operation strategies,
- optimization of the timing and scope of overhauls.
Pro Novum treats diagnostic supervision as an integral process of operation — beginning during overhauls and subsequently conducted throughout equipment operation. It employs advanced analytical and IT tools that allow for continuous updating of technical assessments and service life forecasts. In the case of the BC-50 double unit at Veolia Energia Poznań S.A., the system ensures:
- maintenance of operational safety,
- fulfillment of availability requirements,
- the possibility of conditional operation of components
--------------------
Tomasz Sojka, Krzysztof Szaboń, Adam Szczepek - TAURON Wytwarzanie SA
CORROSION AND EROSION IN POWER BOILERS – PREVENTION METHODS AND DIGITAL SUPPORT FOR DATA ANALYSIS USING LOW-COST GRAPHICAL TOOLS
Boiler heating surfaces are exposed to intense chemical and mechanical stress, leading to corrosion and erosion damage. Although this problem has been recognized and analyzed for many years, it remains a current challenge for the commercial and industrial power industry. These processes lead to the degradation of heating surfaces, resulting in breakdowns, reduced equipment efficiency, and increased maintenance and repair costs. In response to these challenges, numerous methods and technical solutions have been developed over the years to mitigate the negative effects of corrosion and erosion. Both preventive and protective methods are used, which have been improved over time with the development of material technologies and operational engineering.
This paper focuses on the proprietary application of a low-cost, widely available graphical program, which has been specifically adapted by the diagnostic unit for the diagnostics of heating surfaces in power boilers. The developed solution allows for simple and intuitive analysis, monitoring, and archiving of data on erosion and corrosion damage, as well as documentation of repairs and replacements.
The paper presents methods for visualizing the location and development of damage, as well as a method for mapping the operational history of individual surfaces. Adapting the program enables the creation of transparent damage maps, facilitating comparative analysis over time and supporting operational decision-making.
The advantages of this approach are highlighted: low implementation cost, flexibility, the ability to quickly adapt to the specific needs of a given facility, and ease of integration with technical documentation. It was pointed out that the use of the company's own adaptation of a simple graphical tool is a valuable complement to classic diagnostic methods, supporting the planning of repairs, extending the life of equipment and increasing the safety of operation of power boilers.
--------------------
Andre de Bache – Kurita Europe GmbH
Beata Malinowska - Kurita Polska sp. z o.o.
DRIVING EFFICIENCY AND SYSTEM PROTECTION WITH CETAMINE® TECHNOLOGY
"Commissioned in 2009, the Marchwood Power Plant operates with a gas output of 890 MWe and steam pressures of 6, 33, and 135 bar. Over the years, the plant encountered operational challenges, such as particularly elevated iron levels during two-shifting operations and following shutdown periods.
In 2016, the plant transitioned its water/steam cycle treatment from traditional ammonia control to Cetamine®. This shift led to a significant reduction in iron levels and marked improvements in overall system performance.
Subsequent plant inspections and detailed chemistry analyses confirmed the effectiveness of Cetamine® in maintaining low iron concentrations and enhancing operational reliability.
This case, together with many others, highlights how Cetamine® Technology delivers tangible benefits to the power industry—ranging from water and energy savings to system protection, simplified handling and control, and increased operational efficiency."
--------------------
Łukasz Złoty – GRUPA POWEN-WAFAPOMP SA
DESIGN OF COOLING WATER PUMPS FOR POWER PLANT UNITS
The POWEN-WAFAPOMP SA Group has been designing cooling water pumps for decades. In the early years, analytical methods were primarily used, but since the beginning of the 21st century, computer simulations based on numerical methods—covering strength, dynamics, and computational fluid dynamics (CFD)—have become increasingly common. The ISO 19443 standard, which sets quality requirements for the nuclear power supply chain, introduces the need to validate software used in the design process. To meet this requirement, POWEN-WAFAPOMP SA uses its testing facility, capable of examining pumps with capacities of tens of thousands of cubic meters per hour, to verify numerical calculation results and validate the numerical methods applied with ANSYS CFX software. New axial-flow and diagonal cooling water pumps were developed and tested at full scale across the entire operating range. This paper presents a comparison between simulation results and actual measurements, confirming the reliability of the calculations and the numerical methods applied—an essential step for validating the software in use.
--------------------
Paweł Perżyło - Orlen S.A.
THE ROLE OF COMBINED CYCLE GAS TURBINES (CCGTS) IN THE POWER SYSTEM
The energy transition in Poland and Europe is leading to a dynamic increase in the share of renewable energy sources (RES) in the energy mix. This phenomenon is accompanied by increasing variability and difficulties in balancing the power system. At the same time, we are observing a rapid increase in energy demand resulting from new demands such as the digitalization of the economy, electromobility, and the rapid development of data centers and AI servers.
In this situation, combined cycle gas turbine turbines (CCGTs) play a key role. Thanks to their high efficiency, short start-up times, and adjustable operation, they provide a flexible power source, essential for grid stabilization with a high share of volatile RES. The Orlen 2035 strategy assumes an increase in CCGT capacity from 1.8 GW to 4.3 GW, as well as the development of CCS technology and the adaptation of units for the future use of hydrogen. The presentation will cover:
- the role of CCGT in balancing the power system,
- the importance of CCGT units as a bridge fuel in the energy transition,
- combining forecasts for the energy mix in Poland with global energy demand growth trends (AI, data centers),
- directions of technological and strategic development of CCGT in the context of climate neutrality.
--------------------
Oliver Then – vgbe energy e.V.
THE VALUE OF GAS POWER PLANTS IN GERMANY FOR SECURITY OF SUPPLY AND DECARBONIZATION
As part of the German energy transition or “Energiewende”, the power and heat generation shall be largely decarbonized until the mid-2030s. Variable renewable energies (VRE) shall form the backbone of this system after nuclear and coal plants have been shut down. Nevertheless, gas-fired power plants will play a vital role in Germany’s power and heat system by ensuring security of supply in times of missing production from wind and sun, system stability, and flexibility. As intermittent renewable generation increases, gas units provide reliable backup capacity, balancing fluctuations in wind and solar output. Their fast ramping capabilities stabilize frequency and voltage, safeguarding grid reliability. In addition, modern gas turbines offer high efficiency and lower carbon emissions compared to coal, and they are hydrogen-ready, enabling future integration of climate-neutral fuels. Thus, gas-fired generation represents a strategic bridge technology, combining operational resilience with pathways toward a sustainable, low-carbon energy future.
--------------------
Roman Krok – Politechnika Śląska
CONVERTING DECOMMISSIONED TURBOGENERATORS TO SYNCHRONOUS COMPENSATORS – A LOW-COST METHOD FOR ENSURING THE STABILITY OF THE POLISH POWER SYSTEM WITH A HIGH SHARE OF RENEWABLE ENERGY SOURCES
An analysis of the causes of blackouts in the power systems of various countries in recent years shows that one of the main factors was insufficient system inertia, caused by the significant share of renewable energy sources in electricity generation. The progressive replacement of classic coal-fired units by wind turbines and photovoltaic installations in the Polish Power System is forcing urgent measures to ensure its stability. Instead of the costly construction of new synchronous compensators, it is possible to carry out the conversion of retiring coal units in power plants to compensators. The paper presents the benefits of this approach and the technical challenges of converting existing turbogenerators into synchronous compensators.
--------------------
Michał Rawecki - Reversesolutions Sp. z o.o.
APPLICATION OF MODERN 3D MEASUREMENT TECHNIQUES IN WEAR MONITORING AND MAINTENANCE IN THE ENERGY SECTOR
The lecture will address issues related to the use of 3D measurements with optical scanners for component quality control and the assessment of component wear during operation, which allows for the planning of repairs and preventive measures to reduce the unpredictability of failures. Another aspect that will be discussed is 3D measurement for the reconstruction of component documentation based on measurements of actual objects, which can be used both for the fabrication of new components and for diagnostic testing and flow analysis.
--------------------
Artur Szyiński, Anna Kołodziej – „ENERGOPOMIAR” Sp. z o.o.
PRACTICAL IMPORTANCE OF METALLOGRAPHIC TESTING OF THE INITIAL STATE OF MATERIALS
The steels used in the construction of power blocks are subjected to loads leading to gradual degradation of their internal structure. Among the most significant destruction mechanisms are processes such as creeping, fatigue, brittle and operational cracking, as well as corrosive-erosive processes. Among these, the phenomenon of creeping is crucial, as working at temperatures above the threshold value can cause serious damage, or even break the continuity of the material, which becomes particularly dangerous in boiler and pipeline components. Therefore, the microstructural analysis of steel is a fundamentally important study, allowing for the identification and assessment of the dynamics of ongoing changes and the formulation of forecasts regarding further operation. Structural observation allows not only a high level of accuracy in detecting the onset of adverse processes but also controlling their development, offering more reliable long-term forecasts than traditional methods, such as creep geometry measurements. An essential element of the assessment is also the knowledge of the initial condition of the material, which serves as the basis for a reliable comparison and determination of the changes that occurred during the operation of energy devices in both conventional and nuclear energy.
--------------------
Krzysztof Brunné, Marcin Błaszczyk, Daniel Pieńkosz – Pro Novum sp. z o.o.
APPLICATION OF MODERN NDT EQUIPMENT IN THE DIAGNOSTICS OF ENERGY DEVICES – EXPERIENCE AND FUTURE PERSPECTIVES
The paper presents current experience and knowledge regarding the application of modern nondestructive testing (NDT) methods on pressure equipment and steam turbines in the energy sector. Particular attention is given to the practical aspects of using advanced ultrasonic techniques such as Phased Array, TOFD, and eddy current testing.
Examples of effective defect detection and condition assessment of critical components are provided, which contribute to enhancing operational safety and reliability.
The importance of highly qualified and experienced NDT personnel is also emphasized, as their knowledge and skills are crucial for the accurate interpretation of results and the efficiency of diagnostic processes.
The paper further discusses the potential for expanding the use of these technologies, with special focus on the requirements of the nuclear energy industry, which demands the highest standards of quality and safety in diagnostic testing.
--------------------
Cezary Kolan, Michał Ryszka, Adrian Sobczyszyn, Mateusz Nowak – Pro Novum sp. z o.o.
ASSESSMENT OF MICROSTRUCTURAL DEGRADATION OF POWER ENGINEERING MATERIALS BASED ON METALLOGRAPHIC REPLICA EXAMINATIONS THROUGHOUT THE ENTIRE SERVICE LIFE OF EQUIPMENT
The long-term operation of materials at temperatures exceeding design limits and under constant mechanical stress leads to the gradual degradation of their microstructure. This, in turn, results in the deterioration of mechanical properties and the formation of damage. One of the fundamental methods used to assess material condition is microstructural examination. A particularly important role in diagnostics is played by non-destructive metallographic testing using replica techniques.
A key step in the diagnostic process is assessing the structural condition throughout the life of the equipment, especially in its initial state. This provides a reference point for subsequent analyses and allows for more accurate monitoring of the rate of microstructural degradation.
Repeatedly creating replicas on the same component during subsequent repair cycles allows for the assessment of the extent of degradation processes during operation. Microstructural analysis, supported by other tests, allows for the accurate assessment of the component's technical condition and the prediction of its durability.