On 28-29 May 2026, the “Nuclear Piping” workshop was held at the Łukasiewicz Research Network – Upper Silesian Institute of Technology (Łukasiewicz – GIT), organized by Łukasiewicz – GIT with the support of the Department of Nuclear Energy of the Ministry of Energy. The event gathered representatives of public administration, industry, research institutions, and international organizations involved in the development of nuclear energy in Poland.
The workshop was opened by Adam Zieliński, BEng, PhD, DSc, ProfTit, Director of Łukasiewicz – GIT, emphasizing the importance of building national industrial competencies and preparing Polish companies to participate in domestic and international nuclear projects.
„Developing nuclear energy in Poland requires not only modern technologies and infrastructure investments, but above all the preparation of competent personnel and a strong industrial base. The Nuclear Piping workshops are a platform for knowledge exchange between global industry leaders and Polish companies that want to actively participate in building the national supply chain for the nuclear sector ”
said Professor Adam Zieliński, Director of Łukasiewicz – GIT.
The introduction to nuclear piping topics was presented by Jerzy Niagaj, DEng, Area Leader at the Welding Center of Łukasiewicz – GIT.
„Piping systems are one of the key elements of nuclear power plant infrastructure; therefore, their design, manufacturing, welding, and quality control must meet the highest global standards. Our goal was to present participants with practical experience from experts involved in nuclear projects around the world and to indicate the competencies that will be necessary for Polish companies wishing to participate in future nuclear investments ”
said Jerzy Niagaj, DEng.
Competencies and supply chain for nuclear energy
One of the most important topics discussed during the event was preparing Polish companies to participate in the nuclear supply chain. Andrzej Sidło from the Department of Nuclear Energy of the Ministry of Energy presented initiatives supporting the development of domestic companies and their preparation for future nuclear investments. Maciej Kowalczyk from the Industrial Development Agency (ARP) discussed the role of ARP in supporting Polish companies interested in entering the nuclear energy sector.
The message from the presentations was clear – building competencies, qualifications, and production capabilities today is a prerequisite for effective participation in nuclear projects in Poland and abroad.
International experience and requirements for nuclear piping
The first day of the workshop focused on design, manufacturing, and quality requirements for nuclear power plant piping systems.
Michael Harris from Bechtel Global Corporation discussed ASME Section III requirements for fabrication, welding, and inspection. Jean-Luc Bufanio from EDF presented experience related to piping manufacturing for the Flamanville project. Participants were also introduced to modern orbital welding technologies presented by Janusz Bialach from Liburdi Dimetrics Corp.
An important part of the program addressed non-destructive testing and quality assurance. Frantz de la Burgade from Bureau Veritas presented the role of NDE during manufacturing and operation, while Renaud Vencatassin from Chimimeca discussed the importance of chemical cleaning of metals for equipment used in the nuclear industry.
The day concluded with presentations by Jürgen Daldrup from Bilfinger on manufacturing excellence and continuous improvement, as well as Ramesh Shankaran and Blake Craft from the American Welding Society (AWS), who presented the importance of welding standards and qualifications for nuclear infrastructure development.
Second day dedicated to quality and non-destructive testing
The second day of the workshop focused on non-destructive testing (NDT), structural integrity assessment, and quality requirements for nuclear piping systems.
Jacek Kozłowski from the Industrial Research Laboratory “TEST” presented ASME B31.1 requirements and NDT methods. Mohammed Sidding from VTT discussed the use of NDT for structural integrity assessment of nuclear piping, while Marko Andrejaš from Q Techna d.o.o. presented practical aspects of testing in compliance with ASME Section III.
Participants also had the opportunity to learn about project experience related to EPR reactor implementation. Joerg Thuemmel from Bilfinger Nuclear & Energy Transition GmbH discussed challenges related to safety requirements for the secondary circuit of a nuclear power plant. Marion Gachet from Arabell Solutions presented the role of quality assurance and NDT in nuclear projects, emphasizing the importance of high standards for safety and reliability.
The program also included presentations by Adam Martyniszyn from TÜV Thüringen on the impact of American piping regulations on future nuclear investments in Poland, as well as Jerry Piskorski from Candu Energy Inc. (AtkinsRéalis), who presented practical experience related to the design and installation of CANDU fuel channels.
Key role of standards and qualifications
A special part of the workshop was the participation of representatives of the American Welding Society (AWS). Ramesh Shankaran presented the role of AWS D1 series of standards in nuclear infrastructure development, while Blake Craft discussed ASME Section III requirements for piping systems and the importance of delta ferrite in nuclear welding applications.
The AWS experts’ presentations highlighted the importance of international standards, metallurgy, personnel qualification, and quality assurance systems as the foundation for safe nuclear project execution.
Investment in the future of Polish nuclear energy
The revised Polish Nuclear Energy Program foresees the construction of nuclear power units with a total capacity of 6 to 9 GWe and the commissioning of the first nuclear power plant unit in 2036. Achieving these goals requires not only appropriate infrastructure and technology but above all qualified personnel and companies meeting international quality standards.
For many years, the Welding Engineering Center of Łukasiewicz – GIT has been supporting companies preparing for the production of equipment, structures, and services for the nuclear sector in Poland and abroad. The “Nuclear Piping” workshop is part of these activities, enabling knowledge transfer, experience exchange, and relationship building among participants of the future nuclear supply chain.
As repeatedly emphasized during the event, the future of nuclear energy is built not only through technology and infrastructure, but above all through people – their knowledge, qualifications, and readiness to meet the highest global standards of quality and safety.
