United States and Poland Ink New Pact for Construction of Poland's First Nuclear Power Station
Poland's long-held ambition to develop nuclear energy as part of its energy diversification and security strategy is moving forward with a new agreement signed with the United States. The agreement, announced by Prime Minister Donald Tusk and US Secretary of Energy Chris Wright, sets the stage for the construction of Poland's first nuclear power plant, targeting an operational date in the early 2030s.
The agreement was signed at a meeting in Warsaw and is with a consortium led by American firms Westinghouse and Bechtel. The project, valued at around $37 billion, will see the construction of a nuclear power plant in the Choczewo region of Pomerania, featuring three AP1000 reactors supplied by Westinghouse Electric Company. The plant, once operational, will have a total capacity of 3,750 MW.
The Engineering Development Agreement (EDA) paves the way for concrete progress in the nuclear project, but several stages remain before construction can begin. State-owned Polskie Elektrownie Jądrowe (PEJ) must secure necessary regulatory approvals, conduct environmental assessments, and finalize financing arrangements. Challenges remain, including managing public acceptance, navigating regulatory hurdles, and ensuring project financing.
Secretary Wright expressed optimism about the new agreement, describing it as a foundation for a long-term partnership. He also highlighted the potential economic benefits, with the construction of the plant likely to lead to the creation of tens of thousands of jobs in both Poland and the US.
The agreement updates and strengthens previous arrangements, establishing a framework for continued cooperation following the expiration of an earlier Engineering Service Contract. The project's timeline is clear, with construction expected to start in 2028 and the plant operational by 2036.
Poland remains a significant importer of American LNG, reinforcing efforts to achieve energy independence from Russia. Secretary Wright thanked the Polish people and President Andrzej Duda for their consistent work in deepening US-Polish ties.
Future developments include plans for small modular reactors (SMRs). Canadian firm Ontario Power Generation (OPG) has signed an agreement with Polish company Orlen Synthos Green Energy (OSGE) to support the deployment of SMRs, potentially building up to 24 GE Hitachi BWRX-300 reactors across six sites in Poland. This collaboration leverages American technology (GE Hitachi) and fits into broader cooperation on next-generation nuclear technology in the region.
In summary, the current updates indicate steady progress in engineering, financing, and regulatory approval for Poland’s first large-scale U.S.-supported nuclear plant, targeting 2036 operation. Future developments include plans for modular reactors, leveraging U.S. technology in collaboration with Canadian and Polish partners, potentially expanding Poland's nuclear fleet beyond the initial plant.
[1] Poland's nuclear power plant project with the United States is progressing with a clear timeline and international collaboration
[2] Poland's first nuclear power plant to be operational by 2036
[3] Poland's nuclear power plant project: Canadian firm to support deployment of small modular reactors
[4] The Project in the Choczewo region, worth $37 billion, will feature three AP1000 reactors supplied by Westinghouse Electric Company
[5] The engineering development agreement sets the stage for concrete progress in the nuclear project, with regulatory approvals, environmental assessments, and financing arrangements yet to be finalized
[6] Secretary Wright anticipates creating tens of thousands of jobs in both Poland and the US with the construction of the nuclear plant
[7] Strengthened by this agreement, the US-Polish partnership aims to advance nuclear energy technology and expand Poland's nuclear fleet, including small modular reactors, in the coming years.
