January 31, 2023 – the Polish Geological Institute – National Research Institute has been authorised by the President of the National Atomic Energy Agency (PAA) to carry out specialised site analyses with regard to geological and engineering conditions and hazards. The document was received by PGI-PIB Director dr inż. Mateusz Damrat.

The authorisation acknowledges the high quality of work provided by the institution for nuclear safety. It also gives the go-ahead for an application for the role of a technical support organisation (TSO) for the PAA in the polish nuclear power programme. PIG-PIB is the sixth centre to be authorised by the PAA President.

The decision to grant the authorisation to the Polish Geological Institute – National Research Institute was received by PGI-PIB Director, dr inż. Mateusz Damrat during a meeting with Acting PAA President Andrzej Głowacki. The scope of the authorisation covers specialised analyses.

“This is another institution to join the group of authorised scientific units" – said Andrzej Głowacki while handing over of the document. “Before we issue an authorisation decision, our experts verify whether the institution concerned has the appropriate workforce and technical resources to reliably and impartially carry out analyses related to nuclear safety” – explained Andrzej Głowacki.

“The knowledge of geological structure and identification of geological and engineering conditions is of fundamental importance for the foundation of building structures, especially those of strategic importance for the Polish economy” – stressed Mateusz Damrat, Director of PGI-PIB. “It is the quality of geological and engineering surveys and proper identification of the construction ground that determines the foundation method, safety of the structure and cost of the entire project. We have the qualified staff, expertise and appropriate research equipment, and we are determined to use our potential when applying for the work for the PAA during the construction of a nuclear power plant" – added the Institute's Director.

PGI-PIB Director dr inż. Mateusz Damrat (right) receives authorisation for the Institute from Acting PAA President Andrzej Głowacki (left)

Pursuant to the Geological and Mining Law and Water Law Act, the Polish Geological Institute – National Research Institute (PGI-PIB) acts as the national geological and hydrogeological autority. For more than 100 years, it has carried out extensive studies and surveys of the country's geological structure, natural resources and the condition of the environment. It is Poland’s largest repository of geological information that is essential for use in various sectors of the economy to meet the present and future needs of the country.

Acting President of the National Atomic Energy Agency (PAA) Andrzej Głowacki (left) and Director of the Polish Geological Institute – National Research Institute dr inż. Mateusz Damrat (right)

The work under the authorisation has a long tradition at PGI-PIB. The Institute's participation in a number of strategic construction projects has resulted in a wealth of experience. Knowledgeable, licensed and skilled geologist engineers perform tasks of the national geological survey and also participate in international and domestic projects, including those contracted at the commercial market. PGI-PIB has already identified geological and engineering conditions over a considerable area of the country, including areas of large urban agglomerations.

The Polish Geological Institute – PIB also defines standards and introduces guidelines for documentation of geological and engineering conditions related to inland and offshore construction projects.

Photos: Jarosław Chilmon, PAA
Source: PAA i PIG-PIB