Public consultations on the new Polish Nuclear Power Programme are launching – it’s time for society and industry to have their say.

On 25 June 2025, the Ministry of Industry published an updated draft of the multi‑year “Polish Nuclear Power Programme” (PPEJ) and opened it for broad public consultation. The document is available on the government website, and comments may be submitted until 25 July.

The updated PPEJ is one of Poland’s key strategic documents for the energy transition. Its core objective remains unchanged: the construction of two large nuclear power plants with a total capacity of 6 to 9 GWe, based on proven Generation III+ water‑cooled reactors. At the same time, the document strongly emphasizes the growing importance of nuclear energy in light of current geopolitical, climate and economic challenges.

Three pillars: security, climate, economy

Although the foundations of the programme have not changed since its first version in 2014, their significance has increased dramatically. This is particularly visible in the context of energy security—after Russia’s aggression against Ukraine and the resulting fuel crisis. Nuclear energy is expected to strengthen Poland’s independence by diversifying energy sources and replacing ageing coal‑fired power plants.

The second pillar is climate and the environment. Nuclear power plants are the only dispatchable, zero‑emission energy source that can be deployed at scale in Poland. Unlike hydropower, which has limited development potential in the country, nuclear energy can meaningfully support decarbonization and help meet EU climate commitments.

Economically, nuclear also performs strongly. With stable generation costs and long operating lifetimes, nuclear power plants can not only curb the growth of electricity prices but also support the competitiveness of Polish industry—especially energy‑intensive sectors such as metallurgy, chemicals and materials manufacturing.

Where will the second nuclear power plant be built?

Construction of the first plant (NPP1) in Lubiatowo–Kopalino, in the Choczewo municipality, is already underway. The three AP1000 reactor units supplied by Westinghouse are scheduled for completion in 2036.

The second nuclear power plant (NPP2) is still awaiting a final siting decision. Locations identified in PPEJ 2014 and 2020 remain under consideration, with particular attention given to sites near existing system power plants—an approach that may support the transformation of coal‑dependent regions.

Polish workforce and Polish industry

The programme strongly emphasizes the need to develop human resources and ensure the widest possible participation of domestic companies. Each nuclear investor will be required to present and implement a plan for involving Polish firms in the project. This is essential for increasing local value added and securing jobs.

A new institution is also planned—the Nuclear Competence Centre—which will coordinate educational and training activities and increase investment in workforce development. This is intended to help Poland build its own expert base, necessary both for constructing and later operating nuclear power plants.