France’s state-controlled energy company EDF and Polish operator and trader of renewable energy Respect Energy have signed a cooperation agreement to jointly develop nuclear power projects in Poland based on Nuward small modular reactor technology.

EDF said the agreement marks the companies’ “firm intention” to proceed with the development of SMR projects in Poland and confirms the “strong interest” towards Nuward technology, which has been chosen by Respect Energy to expand its footprint in the nuclear energy field.

EDF and Respect Energy will now start the evaluation process of specific new greenfield sites and continue to work on detailing business and financing plans for the Nuward venture.