To accelerate the energy transition, Poland plans to build two nuclear power plants. The government also wants a third facility. France intends to stay in the race and is ready to offer a lot thanks to its extensive experience in this segment.
Despite the fact that Poland has already chosen two technology partners, the French company EDF is still interested in developing a plan and building a nuclear power plant in Poland. France’s energy mix is mostly (76 percent) based on nuclear power and the country has a long-standing tradition of building reactors.
On November 6, 2023, Deputy Minister Adam Guibourgé-Czetwertyński met with French Ambassador to Warsaw Etienne de Poncins.
It was the first meeting of the representative of the ministry’s management with the newly appointed French ambassador in Warsaw. The ambassador outlined the priorities of his mission in Poland and noted that one of them was, among other things, the issue of energy. He also expressed his desire to strengthen cooperation in the field of nuclear energy.
„Zero emission nuclear power is the most important element of the Polish energy industry and one of the main goals of climate neutrality. To enable rapid and effective CO2 reductions, significant investments are needed in zero-emission energy sources such as nuclear power, which remains the most efficient zero-carbon base-load energy generation technology,” said Deputy Minister Guibourgé – Czetwertyński.
The parties also talked about Ukraine and how the full-scale Russian was a turning point in the approach to energy and sources of supply. Ensuring energy security requires strengthening the capacity of energy infrastructure, including harmonious cooperation between countries.
„An effective energy transition is possible thanks to further intensive development of RES and nuclear energy. Also, we must not forget about the need to fill energy storage facilities to ensure continuity of supply to our societies ,” added Deputy Minister Adam Guibourgé-Czetwertyński.
So far, the Polish government has chosen the American Westinghouse and the Korean KHNP to build power plants in Pomerania and Pątnów. According to the Ministry of State Assets, the construction of the third power plant is still being determined, and the technological partner has not yet been chosen.
Nuclear power is to be the future foundation of the Polish electricity system. Polish Nuclear Power Plants, Westinghouse and Bechtel want to build three AP1000 reactors with the first in 2033 at the Lubiatowo-Kopalino location in Pomerania. In addition, KHNP, PGE and ZE PAK want to build two APR1400s by 2036 in Pątnów, in Greater Poland.
Ministry of Climate and Environment / Jacek Perzyński