Biznes Fakty
Where will the second nuclear power plant be built? Here are the possible locations
During a press conference on Thursday, Paweł Gajda, the director of the nuclear energy department at the Ministry of Industry, revealed that Bełchatów and Konin are the two primary sites being evaluated for the establishment of Poland’s second nuclear power plant. He also mentioned that Kozienice and Połaniec are additional locations under consideration.
On Thursday, Paweł Gajda, head of the Nuclear Energy Department at the Ministry of Industry, outlined the key points regarding the update of the Polish Nuclear Power Program (PPEJ) during a press briefing in Katowice.
He highlighted, among other things, the topic of the site for the second power plant in Poland. – Similar to the 2020 iteration (PPEJ), the favored locations still include Bełchatów and Konin (as the site for the second power plant – ed.). Additionally, the two alternative sites being considered are Połaniec and Kozienice – stated Paweł Gajda.
– These locations, particularly Bełchatów and Konin, are actively pursuing this investment – he noted.
According to Paweł Gajda, the selection of sites has been narrowed down to those currently hosting coal-fired power plants. – Our aim is to transition from coal to nuclear energy – he elaborated.
Key elements for the update of the Polish Nuclear Power Program
Gajda announced that this year, plans include conducting a preliminary assessment (research – ed.) of the potential site for the second nuclear power plant, initiating a competitive process (initial discussions with prospective partners, announcement of the procedure’s terms), and the investor applying for essential decisions regarding the potential sites.
The issuance of critical decisions, initiation of location and environmental studies, and selection of a strategic partner are expected for the following year. The finalization of the business model, submission of a notification application to the EC, and an application for an environmental decision are targeted for 2027.
The PPEJ update aims for the issuance of an environmental decision, conclusion of location studies, and a decision on site determination by 2028. In 2029, an application for a permit to construct a nuclear facility may be presented to the President of the National Atomic Energy Agency, allowing preparatory work to begin at the construction site.
According to the current timeline, a building permit is anticipated to be granted in 2031, with construction of the first unit projected to commence a year later. The completion of the first unit, including its startup, is scheduled for 2040, alongside similar activities for the subsequent two units in the years 2041-42.
Overview of the Polish Nuclear Energy Program
The present version of the Polish Nuclear Power Program (PPEJ) from 2020 outlines plans for the construction of two nuclear power plants with a combined capacity of 6-9 GW, with the Polish Nuclear Power Plants, a company fully owned by the state, acting as the investor and operator. The previous administration identified the Westinghouse-Bechtel consortium as the partner for the first plant, which is set to be constructed in Lubiatowo-Kopalino in Pomerania.
The government anticipates that 30% of the construction expenses will be financed through the investor’s own resources, comprised of the legally mandated capital injection, while 70% will be sourced from debt acquired through financial institutions.
The preferred site for the first nuclear power plant is Lubiatowo-Kopalino, located in the Choczewo commune within Wejherowo County in the Pomeranian Voivodeship.
On Thursday, the Senate did not propose any modifications to the legislation regarding the financing of the first nuclear power plant’s construction in Poland. The legislation stipulates PLN 60 billion in budgetary support via an increase in the capital of the Polish Nuclear Power Plants company. However, the condition for this recapitalization is the approval of state aid by Brussels.
How does a nuclear power plant operate? PAP/Adam Ziemienowicz
