popular articles

Poland: First Nuclear Power Plant Operational by 2036

Poland confirms plans for its first nuclear power plant, scheduled to be operational by 2036, while unveiling projects for a second facility by 2040.

Please share:

Poland has announced an ambitious timeline for its nuclear projects, aiming to diversify its energy mix and reduce reliance on fossil fuels. Wojciech Wrochna, strategic adviser for energy infrastructure, revealed during a press conference in Warsaw that the first unit of the country’s inaugural nuclear power plant will be operational by 2036. This initiative is part of the Polish Nuclear Power Program (PPEJ), an updated version of which will be published in January.

In September, the state-owned company Polskie Elektrownie Jądrowe (PEJ), responsible for the project, signed an 18-month engineering services contract with U.S. companies Westinghouse and Bechtel. These firms will collaborate to design a 3,750 MW plant consisting of three AP1000 reactors in the Choczewo region of Pomerania.

The Polish government has estimated the total cost of this nuclear power plant at 150 billion zlotys ($37 billion), with 30% funded by government equity and 70% through debt financing. The U.S. Export-Import Bank is among the financial institutions expected to support the investment. Specific legislation enabling state support is expected to be enacted early in 2024.

Financing Model and European Support

To ensure the project’s economic viability, Poland plans to adopt the contract-for-difference mechanism, which offsets the difference between a predetermined strike price and the market price of electricity. Efforts to secure European Commission approval for this financing model are expected to begin by the end of December.

Meanwhile, the PPEJ retains its ambition to build a second nuclear power plant at a different location. The technology provider for this project is set to be selected in 2026, with construction expected to begin in 2032. This second facility will include three units, with the first becoming operational in 2040 and the others following in 2041 and 2042, enabling full commissioning by 2043.

Strategic Choices for the Second Site

The government is currently evaluating four potential sites for the second nuclear plant, including former coal regions. According to Pawel Gajda, the Ministry of Industry’s nuclear energy director, the final site selection will be closely tied to the choice of the technology vendor. This vendor is also expected to contribute equity to the project, while the Polish state will maintain majority control.

These projects mark a significant step in Poland’s energy strategy, aiming to reduce carbon emissions while enhancing energy security.

Register free of charge for uninterrupted access.

Publicite

Recently published in

France: the Cour des comptes urges action on the management of 280,000 m³ of nuclear waste

The Cour des comptes is calling on the French government to speed up efforts to locate storage sites for over 280,000 m³ of long-lived radioactive waste, which currently lacks an operational solution.
The French National Assembly’s Economic Affairs Committee mistakenly rejects a crucial article on France's nuclear strategy, causing significant parliamentary confusion and casting doubt on the country’s energy targets.
The French National Assembly’s Economic Affairs Committee mistakenly rejects a crucial article on France's nuclear strategy, causing significant parliamentary confusion and casting doubt on the country’s energy targets.
Czech court authorizes major $18 billion nuclear project, allowing Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power to proceed with the construction of a controversial power plant despite legal challenges.
Czech court authorizes major $18 billion nuclear project, allowing Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power to proceed with the construction of a controversial power plant despite legal challenges.
Italy’s Ansaldo Energia signed a memorandum of understanding with Uzbekistan’s Uzatom agency to cooperate on advanced nuclear technologies, with a focus on small modular reactors.
Italy’s Ansaldo Energia signed a memorandum of understanding with Uzbekistan’s Uzatom agency to cooperate on advanced nuclear technologies, with a focus on small modular reactors.

NuScale receives US approval for 77 MWe modular reactor design

The US Nuclear Regulatory Commission has approved the uprated version of NuScale’s small modular reactor, paving the way for commercial deployment of compact nuclear projects in the United States.
Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power signed a 26-month contract to assess a site in Uganda’s Buyende region for its first nuclear reactor, in compliance with International Atomic Energy Agency standards.
Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power signed a 26-month contract to assess a site in Uganda’s Buyende region for its first nuclear reactor, in compliance with International Atomic Energy Agency standards.
EDF is challenging the legality of the nuclear contract awarded to KHNP, citing potential South Korean state support in violation of EU rules, leading to a temporary suspension of the Dukovany II project.
EDF is challenging the legality of the nuclear contract awarded to KHNP, citing potential South Korean state support in violation of EU rules, leading to a temporary suspension of the Dukovany II project.
Canadian company enCore Energy has received regulatory approval to extend its radioactive materials licence to the Upper Spring Creek project, initiating the construction of new ISR facilities near its Rosita site.
Canadian company enCore Energy has received regulatory approval to extend its radioactive materials licence to the Upper Spring Creek project, initiating the construction of new ISR facilities near its Rosita site.

Iran targeted by resolution plan after secret nuclear activities revealed

The International Atomic Energy Agency revealed that Iran conducted undeclared nuclear activities at three sites, which could lead to a non-compliance resolution by mid-June.
EDF plans a new nuclear pipework factory at Cordemais by 2028, confirming the end of coal-fired power in France and the site's industrial conversion.
EDF plans a new nuclear pipework factory at Cordemais by 2028, confirming the end of coal-fired power in France and the site's industrial conversion.
Uranium Royalty Corp. invests CAD1mn ($730,000) in a 2% royalty on Forum Energy Metals’ Aberdeen project, located near one of the world’s largest undeveloped uranium deposits.
Uranium Royalty Corp. invests CAD1mn ($730,000) in a 2% royalty on Forum Energy Metals’ Aberdeen project, located near one of the world’s largest undeveloped uranium deposits.
NexGen Energy unveils exceptional assay results at the Patterson Corridor East site, with uranium intercepts among the highest concentrations globally, highlighting the growing economic relevance of this strategic area for the nuclear industry.
NexGen Energy unveils exceptional assay results at the Patterson Corridor East site, with uranium intercepts among the highest concentrations globally, highlighting the growing economic relevance of this strategic area for the nuclear industry.

Nano Nuclear raises $105mn in private placement to strengthen cash position

Nano Nuclear Energy announced a $105mn fundraising from institutional investors, bringing its total cash position above $200mn to accelerate its small-scale nuclear reactor projects.
The suspension of the nuclear contract between KHNP and the Czech Republic has triggered intense reactions in South Korea, where the company and authorities express dissatisfaction with European legal and regulatory obstacles.
The suspension of the nuclear contract between KHNP and the Czech Republic has triggered intense reactions in South Korea, where the company and authorities express dissatisfaction with European legal and regulatory obstacles.
Facing growing energy demands, Indonesia has announced an ambitious nuclear program targeting 10 GW capacity by 2040, attracting interest from global industry giants to support this strategic shift towards a low-carbon economy.
Facing growing energy demands, Indonesia has announced an ambitious nuclear program targeting 10 GW capacity by 2040, attracting interest from global industry giants to support this strategic shift towards a low-carbon economy.
The U.S. Department of the Interior has approved the Velvet-Wood site, the first mining project to benefit from an expedited environmental procedure aimed at strengthening national mineral security.
The U.S. Department of the Interior has approved the Velvet-Wood site, the first mining project to benefit from an expedited environmental procedure aimed at strengthening national mineral security.

Argentina targets nuclear revival with Ivana uranium mine in three years

Blue Sky Uranium’s Ivana mining project in Argentina could begin production within three years, backed by an initial $35mn investment and an annual output capacity of 1.5 million pounds of uranium.
The German government expresses openness toward French nuclear energy, promising a technologically neutral approach despite internal divisions over recognizing nuclear as a sustainable energy within the European Union.
The German government expresses openness toward French nuclear energy, promising a technologically neutral approach despite internal divisions over recognizing nuclear as a sustainable energy within the European Union.
Donald Trump announces four executive orders to quadruple U.S. nuclear energy production within 25 years, radically accelerate regulatory approvals, secure enriched uranium supplies, and address the surging energy demands linked to artificial intelligence.
Donald Trump announces four executive orders to quadruple U.S. nuclear energy production within 25 years, radically accelerate regulatory approvals, secure enriched uranium supplies, and address the surging energy demands linked to artificial intelligence.
Tennessee Valley Authority becomes the first US public utility to apply for a permit to build a BWRX-300 small modular reactor, with site works anticipated as early as 2026 at Clinch River.
Tennessee Valley Authority becomes the first US public utility to apply for a permit to build a BWRX-300 small modular reactor, with site works anticipated as early as 2026 at Clinch River.

Macron in Vietnam: France faces Russian-American nuclear agreements

Emmanuel Macron is visiting Vietnam as the country expands its nuclear partnerships, signing today an agreement with the American company Westinghouse, following recent cooperation with Russia, intensifying competition in this strategic market.
Westinghouse has signed seven new agreements with Bulgarian suppliers to support the construction of two AP1000 reactors at the Kozloduy nuclear power plant, further expanding its local industrial footprint.
Westinghouse has signed seven new agreements with Bulgarian suppliers to support the construction of two AP1000 reactors at the Kozloduy nuclear power plant, further expanding its local industrial footprint.
The Maanshan 2 reactor has been permanently disconnected from the grid, marking the end of nuclear operations in Taiwan in line with the national phase-out legislation.
The Maanshan 2 reactor has been permanently disconnected from the grid, marking the end of nuclear operations in Taiwan in line with the national phase-out legislation.
Several parties are positioning to acquire French company Orano’s mining sites in Niger, while the firm pursues international arbitration to protect its assets and nearly €250mn in blocked uranium concentrate.
Several parties are positioning to acquire French company Orano’s mining sites in Niger, while the firm pursues international arbitration to protect its assets and nearly €250mn in blocked uranium concentrate.

Advertising