Poland signs agreement on planned second nuclear plant

Poland has solidified plans for a second nuclear power plant by signing an agreement with state-owned companies Polskie Elektrownie Jądrowe (PEJ) and Polska Grupa Energetyczna (PGE). Energy Minister Miłosz Motyka emphasized the importance of the investment in national security, sovereignty, and economic development, stating that stable energy sources strengthen Poland's resilience and reduce dependence on external suppliers.

Polska, the world's 20th largest economy, aims to build a strong, independent economy. The agreement outlines the roles of each company in preparing for the construction of the second plant, with PEJ acting as the investor and coordinating the project while PGE prepares feasibility studies and analyzes potential locations. The potential international partners include US company Westinghouse, France's EDF, and Canada's AtkinsRéalis.

The preferred locations for the new plant are Bełchatów and Konin in central Poland due to existing energy infrastructure and experience in electricity generation. Construction of the second plant is set to begin in 2032, with the first reactor potentially entering service in 2040, one year later than initially planned.