Polish authorities ok country’s first nuclear plant

US nuclear power company Westinghouse Electric and US engineering firm Bechtel officially announced a collaborative agreement for the design and construction of Poland’s inaugural nuclear power plant in Lubiatowo-Kopalino, Pomerania, north Poland, on Thursday 21 September.

Poland’s Climate Minister Anna Moskwa called the news “a significant milestone in implementing an investment of paramount importance for energy security”.

The US consortium’s deal represents a major step forward on the road to Poland’s first nuclear reactor, with construction set to commence in 2026. The first block, with a capacity of around 1.25 GW, is set to be commissioned in 2033. Licensing and engineering activities are already in progress.

The consortium and Polish utility company Polskie Elektrownie Jadrowe are expected to finalise an engineering service contract this week.

Conformation comes after 18 months of research

The country of 38 million is the only economy in Central and Eastern Europe (CEE) without nuclear energy, with the exception of the tiny Baltic states. 

Despite its vocal reluctance to commit to the EU’s climate policy, Poland is taking steps to decarbonise. Nuclear power will be fundamental to this, as its carbon dioxide emissions are just 2% of those of coal, and will be crucial if Poland is to reduce coal to below 28% of its energy mix by 2040.

The US companies confirmed the deal after receiving environmental approval for the Baltic coast plant from Poland’s General Environmental Protection Directorate (GDOS), Polish state news agency PAP reported.

The construction and operation of the plant, which steers clear of Natura 2000 areas, will not have any adverse environmental impacts, according to the GDOS, which conducted an 18-month environmental impact report before issuing its approval.

US, Polish officials hail growing bilateral cooperation

US Ambassador to Poland Mark Brzezinski said “The partnership between Bechtel and Westinghouse, both esteemed leaders in the field of nuclear energy, underscores the growing cooperation between the US and Poland in the development and deployment of advanced nuclear technologies.”

US Assistant Secretary for Nuclear Energy Kathryn Huff called the agreement “another crucial milestone in the collaboration between the US and Poland” and underlined that Westinghouse and Bechtel will deliver a “top-tier” facility for the Polish people.

Reactor world’s most energy-efficient

The Polish government opted for Westinghouse’s AP1000 reactor technology for its nuclear energy initiative last November. The AP1000 is a Generation III+ reactor known for its fully passive safety systems, modular design, and the most efficient megawatt-to-footprint ratio.

Currently, this reactor is in operation in the US and China. Bulgaria also chose the AP1000 technology for its reactor programme earlier in the year. Additionally, it is being considered for implementation elsewhere in CEE, North America, and the UK.

Westinghouse stresses green benefits

Westinghouse President for Energy Systems David Durham said “Our accumulated experience with our advanced and reliable AP1000 technology, including comprehensive design and construction insights, will be a valuable asset to Poland as it endeavours to achieve decarbonization and enhance energy security. The US takes great pride in being Poland’s closest ally in its transition to clean energy,” he added.

“This partnership boasts a track record of successfully executing large-scale nuclear energy projects. Our extensive experience with the advanced and proven AP1000 technology, coupled with our comprehensive design and construction knowledge, positions us well to support Poland in its pursuit of decarbonisation and enhanced energy security,” Durham underlined.

Betchel underlines experience of project participants

Bechtel President John Howanitz praised the collective expertise of the consortium, saying, “Bechtel and Westinghouse bring over 140 years of combined experience in the nuclear power sector. Together, we possess not only the proven technology but also the hands-on experience required to establish Poland’s maiden nuclear energy programme.

“We are eager to collaborate with the local workforce, suppliers, and community to provide Poland with the clean and dependable energy it requires,” Howanitz added.

Westinghouse Electric is headquartered in Cranberry Township, Pennsylvania, while Bechtel is based in Virginia.