Poland applies for a construction permit for its first nuclear power plant
Polish state-owned energy company Polskie Elektrownie Jądrowe has formally submitted an application for a construction permit for the country’s first nuclear power plant. The plant is planned for the Lubiatowo-Kopalino site in Pomerania.
The documentation was submitted to the Polish Nuclear Regulatory Authority, Państwowa Agencja Atomistyki (PAA) and comprises approximately 40,000 pages. More than 200 experts in nuclear safety, radiation protection and other relevant disciplines contributed to its preparation.
The application includes, in particular, a preliminary safety analysis report (PSAR), demonstrating compliance with requirements for nuclear safety, physical protection, radiation protection and safeguards. The documentation also includes a quality assurance programme, a physical protection system design, a classification of security-sensitive information, a basic emergency preparedness framework and the project’s organisational arrangements.
Project based on AP1000 technology
The planned plant will consist of three AP1000 pressurised water reactors supplied by Westinghouse Electric Company. These are Generation III+ reactors, characterised by their use of passive safety systems that do not require active intervention by operators or an external power supply for a defined period. The plant’s total installed capacity is expected to be 3,750 MWe.
Construction and commissioning schedule
Preparatory work at the site began in 2025. Construction of the units is expected to begin in 2028 with the first concrete pour for Unit 1.
Construction of each unit is estimated to take approximately seven years. This will be followed by an approximately one-year phase of start-up and physical and power commissioning.
Expected commercial operation:
- Unit 1: 2036
- Unit 2: 2037
- Unit 3: 2038
In addition to the construction permit application submitted to the nuclear regulator, the investor will also have to apply for a construction permit from the Pomeranian Voivodeship authorities, with the application planned for 2027.
Political and public support for nuclear power
According to Deputy Energy Minister and Government Plenipotentiary for Strategic Energy Infrastructure Wojciech Wrochna, submitting the application confirms the commitment to deliver the project. The Polish government says the plant will help ensure stable electricity prices, support industrial development and meet stringent international safety standards.
A public opinion poll conducted at the end of 2025, commissioned by the Polish Ministry of Energy, shows strong support for nuclear power in the country:
- 92% of respondents support the use of nuclear energy in Poland
- approximately 80% would accept a nuclear power plant near their home
- only 5% are opposed and 3% have no clear opinion
The results confirm that nuclear power has a strong social mandate in Poland, a key factor in delivering such a capital-intensive, long-term project.
Translation disclaimer
This article is a machine translation of the Czech original and has not yet been fully reviewed. In case of any doubt, please refer to the Czech version.
