Poland injects 60 billion zloty into its first nuclear power plant

Poland is financing the construction of its first nuclear power plant with an allocation of 60 billion zloty, strengthening its energy independence and creating major economic opportunities.

Partagez:

The Polish government’s decision to invest 60 billion zloty in the construction of its first nuclear power plant marks a decisive milestone in the country’s energy strategy.
The project is being carried out by Polskie Elektrownie Jądrowe (PEJ), a state-owned company, and is based on AP1000® technology from Westinghouse Electric Company.
The chosen site is located in Choczewo, in the Pomerania region.
This investment is part of a global effort to reduce dependence on fossil fuels and secure long-term energy supplies.
The AP1000 technology, already deployed in several countries, is renowned for its passive safety systems and modular design, which reduces construction times and costs.
The plant’s generating capacity is expected to reach several gigawatts (GW), meeting a significant part of Poland’s growing energy demand.
By opting for nuclear power, Poland aims to diversify its energy sources while continuing to decarbonize its electricity sector.

Major economic and industrial impact

In addition to its energy benefits, the construction of this plant will have a significant economic impact.
Estimates point to over 100 billion zloty in direct and indirect economic spin-offs, thanks to the creation of jobs both during the construction phase and in the long-term operation of the plant.
More than 10,000 direct jobs are expected to be created during the construction phase, and thousands more will follow to operate and maintain the plant.
The project also includes the development of a local supply chain.
Westinghouse and Bechtel, the main industrial partners, have already organized several events with Polish suppliers to integrate local companies into the construction and maintenance process.
Over 500 companies have already been identified as potential partners.
The development of local expertise in the nuclear field will strengthen the country’s autonomy in the management of this new infrastructure.

International cooperation and geopolitical implications

The project enjoys strategic support from the United States, which sees this partnership as a way of strengthening ties with Poland, while supporting its ambitions for decarbonization and energy independence.
The US Department of Energy is also involved in training a new generation of nuclear energy specialists.
This includes the creation of academic programs in partnership with the Gdansk University of Technology and the Warsaw University of Technology, aimed at developing specific nuclear skills.
Poland’s decision to turn to American nuclear technology also echoes the country’s desire to diversify its energy alliances, particularly against a backdrop of tensions with Russia.
Indeed, dependence on fossil fuels, particularly natural gas, has always been a point of vulnerability for Poland.
This project therefore aims to strengthen the country’s energy independence, while aligning its ambitions with those of its Western allies.

A model for Eastern Europe

Poland is not the only country in the region exploring nuclear solutions to strengthen its energy independence.
Countries such as Ukraine and Bulgaria have also opted for AP1000 technology for their own nuclear projects.
The choice of this technology, given its advantages in terms of safety and performance, is part of a regional trend towards modernizing energy infrastructures.
U.S. involvement in these projects, whether in Poland or elsewhere, strengthens the U.S. presence in strategic energy sectors in Central and Eastern Europe.
It also goes hand in hand with a desire to counter the growing influence of Russia and other international players in the region’s energy market.

Long-term outlook

With this project, Poland is positioning itself as a key player in the energy transition in Central and Eastern Europe.
In addition to meeting growing energy demand, the Choczewo nuclear power plant is expected to contribute to the region’s economic stability by creating new jobs and training a new generation of nuclear specialists.
This long-term project is one of the pillars of Poland’s strategy to ensure sustainable energy independence, in line with European decarbonization objectives.
Thanks to this infrastructure, Poland will be able to play a strategic role in the region’s energy future.

South Korea's Nuclear Safety and Security Commission officially validates the decommissioning of reactor number one at the Kori plant, initiating an unprecedented project for the national industry scheduled to last until 2037.
Uranium producer enCore Energy surpasses three thousand pounds per day at its Alta Mesa ISR complex and sees three new Texas laws as a strong signal for faster nuclear production permits.
The International Atomic Energy Agency expresses concerns over Iran’s enriched uranium stockpiles following the abrupt suspension of inspections at key sites disrupted by recent attacks whose consequences remain uncertain.
NPCIL has announced an extension until September 30 for industrial proposals concerning Bharat Small Reactors (BSR), following increased interest from the Indian private sector.
A regional court has upheld the award of two new reactors in the Czech Republic to Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power, dismissing Électricité de France’s challenge to the €16bn contract in a decisive step for the national energy programme.
Facing rising temperatures, EDF anticipates cuts in nuclear production starting early July, primarily due to thermal constraints on rivers used for cooling the power plants.
The preliminary agreement launches planning and site assessment for a tailored AP1000 reactor, following two years of feasibility study, and enlists Westinghouse and Hyundai to support Fortum’s regional nuclear expansion.
Uranium Energy Corp strengthens its position in Anfield Energy Inc., now holding approximately 32.4% of the company’s shares following an investment of CAD19.55mn ($14.82mn), significantly expanding its strategic influence in the uranium market.
New York State plans an advanced nuclear power plant with a 1-gigawatt capacity to meet long-term energy and economic goals, involving significant investment to enhance regional energy independence.
Niger announces its intention to nationalize SOMAÏR, a mining company jointly owned with Orano, provoking strong opposition from the French company and paving the way for further international legal tensions.
Russia strengthens its economic presence in Mali with new agreements, notably in nuclear energy and gold refining, consolidating strategic cooperation within a rapidly evolving geopolitical context.
The US government grants a fourth payment of $100.45 mn to Holtec International to restart the Palisades Nuclear Plant, pending regulatory approval, marking an unprecedented event in the United States.
EDF announces a major agreement with Apollo to raise up to £4.5 billion via bonds to finance the British nuclear project Hinkley Point C, whose costs continue to rise significantly.
The Élysée proposes Anne-Isabelle Étienvre, current Director of Fundamental Research at the CEA, as General Administrator to replace François Jacq, recently appointed President of CNES.
Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis has announced his country's interest in small modular nuclear reactors to meet national energy challenges and decarbonize the maritime sector within the next fifteen years.
TerraPower, an American nuclear company, secures $650 million funding from investors, including NVIDIA, to develop its Natrium modular reactors in the United States and internationally.
EDF and the French state finalize a €70 billion financing plan for six EPR2 nuclear reactors, including a specific territorial coordination framework in Gravelines led by Michel Marbaix, awaiting European approval by 2026.
Maire S.p.A and Newcleo form strategic partnership to industrialise the development of 200 MW modular nuclear power plants, via a joint venture majority-owned by Nextchem.
A new European consortium launches the design of a small lead-cooled modular reactor, targeting global commercialisation by 2039, with a demonstration scheduled as early as 2035.
Confidential reports from the IAEA and multiple intelligence agencies confirm Iran's uranium enrichment to weapons-grade levels, contradicting Tehran's official statements. EnergyNews.pro retraces the evolution of Iran's nuclear program since 2015, three years before the Trump administration's withdrawal from the nuclear agreement.