Wedoany.com Report-May 23, Poland is advancing its first nuclear power plant project at the Lubiatowo-Kopalino site in Choczewo, Pomerania, with a goal to engage local companies significantly in its development. The project, utilizing Westinghouse AP1000 reactor technology, was selected in November 2022. An agreement outlining the delivery plan was signed in May 2024 by Westinghouse, Bechtel, and Polskie Elektrownie Jądrowe (PEJ), a company fully owned by Poland’s State Treasury. The Ministry of Climate and Environment approved the construction of the three-unit plant in July 2024, targeting commercial operation of the first reactor by 2033. The estimated investment cost is approximately PLN192 billion (USD49 billion).

The Polish government aims for local companies to supply at least 40% of the components and services. Andrzej Sidlo, counsellor at the Polish Ministry of Industry, stated at the World Nuclear Supply Chain conference in Warsaw: “We are starting our adventure [in nuclear power]. However, we are not starting from scratch ... we have a lot of experienced nuclear companies because of export projects and international cooperation.” Polish firms have contributed to 44 nuclear projects, two laboratories, and two facilities across 26 countries, as noted by Monika Silva, Deputy General Director of IGEOS Nuclear.

A March 2025 report by Baker McKenzie assessed Poland’s readiness for the Choczewo plant, scoring 58% on the Nuclear Energy Readiness Index. The report highlighted strong political (9/10), regulatory, and social (8/10) preparedness but lower scores in technology (3/10) and investment and systemic areas (4/10 each). Agnieszka Skorupinska, Partner at Baker McKenzie, remarked: “It’s very surprising that we have a very high score on the Polish political readiness because we are a pretty divided country when it comes to politics. But here we all agree we need to have nuclear, so this is a very important development and very important conclusion.”

Despite the capabilities of Polish companies, the supply chain requires further preparation. Silva explained: “The problem they have is that they really don’t know 100% what is expected from them. I think when the information is clear ... then it will be much easier for the Polish companies to show their real potential.” A survey by the Polish Economic Institute revealed that over 70% of Polish firms have energy sector experience applicable to nuclear projects, with 29% having prior nuclear involvement abroad. Companies see opportunities in skill development and market expansion but face challenges like financial constraints and a need for clearer project requirements.