Poland should initiate the construction of its inaugural nuclear power plant without delay to leverage billions of euros in European Union financing, as stated by opposition leader Donald Tusk.

Donald Tusk, the former Prime Minister and European Council President, made this announcement during a gathering in the southwestern city of Wrocław. Tusk, at the helm of the liberal Civic Coalition (KO) alliance and the primary candidate from mainstream opposition parties for the role of the nation's next Prime Minister, underscored the immediate necessity for Poland's energy security with regards to nuclear energy.

He stated that nuclear power plants are indispensable, emphasizing the need for Poland to quickly embark on the construction of a nuclear facility to genuinely participate in a secure and equitable transition. This would require expending a substantial portion of EU funding for the modernization of the country's economy, industry, and energy sector.

Tusk highlighted that Poland's first nuclear power plant would be constructed using American technology, emphasizing the significance of forging common economic interests with the United States, especially in the context of geopolitical uncertainties and the conflict in neighboring Ukraine.

Poland's journey towards nuclear energy recently saw a milestone agreement with US companies for the design and construction of the nation's inaugural nuclear power plant, scheduled to launch in 2033. Construction is set to commence in 2026, with the first of three reactors anticipated to be operational in 2033.

Poland's nuclear energy policy outlines the development of six nuclear reactors with a collective installed capacity of 6-9 GW. This move toward nuclear energy comes at a pivotal time as Poland experiences a shift in political leadership. Despite the ruling Law and Justice (PiS) party winning the recent parliamentary election, it lost its parliamentary majority to an alliance of pro-EU opposition parties led by Donald Tusk's Civic Coalition. The ongoing political situation might influence the progression of Poland's nuclear energy initiatives. Photo by Heinz-Josef Lücking, Wikimedia commons.