Poland: Towards Enhanced Nuclear Cooperation with Japan and the Netherlands

Poland strengthens its nuclear cooperation with Japan and the Netherlands, enhancing its capacity for its energy transition program.

Partagez:

Poland has recently signed significant agreements to strengthen its nuclear program with international partners, underscoring its intent to diversify its energy sources and increase its energy security. In a context of transition aimed at reducing coal dependency, cooperation with Japan and the Netherlands is strategic for developing the infrastructure and expertise necessary for expanding nuclear energy in Poland.

The cooperation between Poland and Japan was formalized by a memorandum of understanding signed by Marzena Czarnecka, Poland’s Minister of Industry, and Shinji Takeuchi, Japan’s Deputy Minister of Economy, Trade, and Industry, in Warsaw. This agreement, signed on November 7, aims to promote the development of nuclear technologies as solutions that contribute to energy transition goals while ensuring greater energy security for Poland. According to the Polish ministry, the agreement includes provisions to encourage collaborations between Japanese and European companies, particularly in the field of nuclear industrial technologies.

Partnership with Japan Atomic Industrial Forum

The memorandum includes collaboration with the Japan Atomic Industrial Forum International Cooperation Centre (JICC), a center operating under Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry (METI). The JICC is involved in activities that support the skills development of countries implementing nuclear energy. These activities include information exchanges, expert missions, and the organization of workshops and seminars covering essential areas such as human resources development, social communication, nuclear safety, and the preparation of necessary infrastructure for nuclear projects.

For Poland, this collaboration offers an opportunity to acquire fundamental technical skills and knowledge crucial for implementing its national nuclear program. The Polish Ministry of Industry has emphasized that cooperation with Japan will help structure a base of nuclear competencies, a key element for achieving Poland’s project goals.

Cooperation Agreement with the Netherlands

On the same day, another cooperation agreement was signed between Poland’s National Atomic Energy Agency (PAA) and the Netherlands Authority for Nuclear Safety and Radiation Protection (ANVS). This agreement, signed by Andrzej Głowacki, PAA President, and Annemiek van Bolhuis, ANVS Chairperson, establishes a basis for the exchange of information and best practices regarding nuclear energy oversight for peaceful purposes.

This agreement also provides for joint activities such as technical meetings, training, and document exchanges essential for preparing nuclear regulators for the licensing process of new nuclear technologies. For both countries, the growing interest in the use of new nuclear technologies brings additional challenges for the national institutions responsible for their safe use.

Poland’s Long-Term Nuclear Projects

In September 2021, the Polish government unveiled an ambitious project aimed at developing the country’s nuclear capacity. The plan envisions constructing six large pressurized water reactors with a combined capacity of 6 to 9 gigawatts electric (GWe) by 2040, an effort to reduce reliance on coal. According to the adopted schedule, the construction of the first nuclear power plant is set to begin in 2026, with the first reactor – with a capacity of 1.0 to 1.6 GWe – expected to be operational by 2033. Subsequent units are to be constructed with an interval of 2 to 3 years.

The coastal sites of Lubiatowo and Kopalino, located in the Choczewo municipality in Pomerania province, have been designated as preferred locations for the country’s first large nuclear power plant. In November 2022, the Polish government also announced that this first plant in Pomerania would have a capacity of 3750 MWe, utilizing AP1000 technology from the U.S. company Westinghouse. An agreement outlining the plant’s delivery plan was signed last May by Westinghouse, Bechtel, and Polskie Elektrownie Jądrowe.

A Future Shaped by Partnerships and New Technologies

Poland is also planning the construction of a second nuclear plant in the Patnów-Konin region, with two APR1400 reactors supplied by South Korea. This new collaboration with international players such as Japan and the Netherlands strengthens Poland’s ability to meet the demands of an evolving energy market. The country seeks to diversify its energy sources while mastering advanced technologies to support its energy transition.

After several decades without funding nuclear projects, the World Bank has formed a strategic partnership with the IAEA to provide technical and financial support to countries integrating nuclear energy into their energy strategies.
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.
Donald Trump's unprecedented decision to dismiss Christopher Hanson, a member of the NRC, provokes outrage among former federal officials and raises concerns over the regulatory independence of the U.S. nuclear sector.
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.