Nuclear Poland. How to bring reactors to Poland

About the report:

Analysis of the introduction and development of nuclear energy in Poland. The publication presents the current state of preparations for the construction of reactors in Poland - actions taken so far and scheduled for the future. The report underline the conditions for the development of nuclear energy in Poland in five dimensions: technological, economic, legal, environmental and social. The last chapter of the publication sketches three probable scenarios for the development of nuclear energy (depending on its scale and pace): minimum, balanced and the so-called nuclearisation of Poland.

Key findings:

The development of nuclear power is one of the strategic directions and goals of Polish energy policy, and potentially a vehicle for the country’s civilisational development. Implementing nuclear energy today seems essential for Poland to avoid an electricity supply gap and meet European climate goals.The dynamic development of nuclear power in Poland is now possible, but due to the international as well as the economic situation, it must be accelerated.
The construction of two nuclear power plants with a capacity of 6-9 GW is enough for Poland to avoid a power deficit by 2040. Full energy security can be achieved, but only by increasing investment in nuclear reactors - both conventional and SMRs. For this to happen, action is needed in the economic, legal, social, educational and environmental spheres
State financial support is essential for the construction of nuclear power plants. The implementation of planned and announced nuclear projects in Poland requires a systemic change in the approach to state aid and structural support from government agencies. In the short term, the construction of the first conventional reactors may be secured by a contract for difference or based on the SaHo Model
A major obstacle to the construction of nuclear power plants is the lack of a sufficiently abundant and qualified workforce. Within a few years, Poland, and especially the public administration, faces a shortage of staff trained to carry out and supervise the project to build reactors
The legal regulations in place, taking into account the legislative amendments enacted in 2023, largely correspond to the needs arising from the investments envisaged in the Polish Nuclear Power Programme (PPEJ). However, the development of nuclear power in Poland requires the modification of individual areas of the law and the creation of new ones. For example, the announced development of small reactors (SMRs) may entail the need to differentiate in legislation the legal requirements for reactors according to their power or even to include SMRs in a separate special act.

The report is also available in the Polish version.