Wedoany.com Report-Apr. 29, Polskie Elektrownie Jądrowe (PEJ), a company fully owned by Poland’s State Treasury, has signed an Engineering Development Agreement (EDA) with the Westinghouse-Bechtel Consortium to advance Poland’s first nuclear power plant project at the Lubiatowo-Kopalino site in Choczewo, Pomerania. This agreement ensures the project’s continuity following the expiration of an earlier Engineering Services Contract (ESC) in March 2025.
The agreement was signed in Warsaw in the presence of Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk and US Energy Secretary Chris Wright
In November 2022, Poland selected Westinghouse’s AP1000 reactor technology for the nuclear facility, which will feature three reactors and is targeted for commercial operation in 2033. In September 2023, PEJ, Westinghouse, and Bechtel signed an 18-month ESC to finalize a site-specific design. The newly signed EDA, described as a nine-month “bridge agreement,” establishes a framework for ongoing collaboration, enabling the transition to subsequent project phases, including negotiations for the construction contract.
The EDA introduces refinements to the project’s management, such as a revised remuneration model, enhanced investor oversight, and improved procedures for accepting completed work, drawing on lessons from the ESC. It supports further preparatory, geotechnical, and engineering tasks, advancing the technical design, permitting processes, and supply chain development. Piotr Piela, acting president of PEJ, stated: “We have reached an agreement based on solid foundations, a well-thought-out structure, and a clear division of responsibilities. The agreement signed today is a platform for further cooperation and an example of a compromise that is beneficial to both parties.”
Bechtel President and Chief Operating Officer Craig Albert remarked: “As the project enters the next phase—including advanced geological surveys and site engineering—Bechtel is deeply committed to working with PEJ, Westinghouse, local businesses, and residents.” Similarly, Westinghouse Energy Systems President Dan Lipman noted: “With the signing of the EDA, we can continue our close collaboration with PEJ to leverage the proven, advanced AP1000 reactor technology in this groundbreaking project.”
The nuclear power plant is expected to provide reliable, clean energy while generating significant economic benefits, including billions of zlotys in investment and thousands of jobs during construction and operation. The project aligns with Poland’s goals for sustainable energy and economic growth, leveraging advanced technology to ensure safety and efficiency. The collaboration between PEJ, Westinghouse, and Bechtel marks a significant step toward establishing a modern nuclear energy infrastructure in Poland.
