The Polish government has officially announced that its plans to build nuclear power stations are aligned with the public interest and the country’s energy policy, according to Anna Moskwa, the environment minister.
On July 12, the Ministry of Climate and Environment granted approval for the construction of the first nuclear power plant in Pomerania. This marks a significant milestone for Polskie Elektrownie Jądrowe (PEJ), the company behind the investment project, as it becomes the first nuclear initiative in Poland to receive a decision-in-principle. This formal confirmation signifies that the investment project is in accordance with the public interest and the state’s energy policy.
The decision-in-principle obtained by PEJ paves the way for the company to seek additional administrative approvals, such as a location decision and ultimately a construction license, as part of the ongoing nuclear power plant construction in Pomerania.
The decision, applicable to PEJ as the project’s special purpose vehicle, is a prerequisite for pursuing further administrative permits and decisions necessary throughout the investment process.
Poland aims to commence construction on its inaugural nuclear plant by 2026. The first phase, expected to have a capacity of approximately 1-1.6 GW, is slated for commissioning in 2033.
Minister Moskwa wrote, “Today, we have issued a decision… for PEJ, which will bring us closer to the construction of the first nuclear power plant in our country.”
In May, PEJ entered into an agreement with US companies Westinghouse and Bechtel to form a consortium responsible for design and engineering preparations for the initial nuclear plant.
Overall, Poland’s nuclear power program entails the construction of six nuclear blocks, with a combined installed capacity ranging between 6-9 GW. The implementation timeline extends until 2043.