Poland has taken a significant step towards realizing its inaugural nuclear power plant, as the country's climate and environment minister, Anna Moskwa, announced the
issuance of an environmental permit. The General Directorate for Environmental Protection (GDOS) in Poland has determined that the construction and operation of the nuclear plant will not have adverse effects on the environment, and rigorous monitoring of its impact will be implemented.
Moskwa emphasized the pivotal role of this decision in bolstering energy security for Poland. This marks a noteworthy milestone in the implementation of a crucial energy investment for the nation.
In a development related to the project, Bechtel, the largest engineering company in the United States, entered into a formal agreement with Westinghouse Electric Co. Westinghouse had been previously selected by Poland as the technology supplier for the nuclear plant's design and construction. The collaboration between Bechtel and Westinghouse will be focused on these aspects. An engineering services contract is expected to be signed between the US consortium and Polish utility Polskie Elektrownie Jądrowe (Polish Nuclear Stations, PEJ) in the coming week.
Poland's inaugural nuclear power plant is slated to be located in the northern villages of Lubiatowo and Kopalino on the Baltic coast, featuring Westinghouse's AP1000 reactor technology. Construction is scheduled to commence in 2026, with the first of three reactors anticipated to become operational by 2033, according to the Polish government.
Moreover, Poland's nuclear energy strategy outlines the establishment of six nuclear reactors with a cumulative installed capacity ranging from 6 to 9 GW, as reported by the PAP news agency.
In a parallel development, Poland's state-owned mining company, KGHM, received approval from the government in July to construct a nuclear power plant employing small modular reactor (SMR) technology. These combined efforts reflect Poland's commitment to diversify its energy sources and enhance its energy security. Photo by Gov.pl, Wikimedia commons.