Plans for the construction of a Polish nuclear power plant date back to the 1970s. Difficult economic conditions closed the topic at the stage of pouring foundations. Since then, the subject has periodically returned in various contexts.
Lubiatowo-Kopalino with the first power plant in Poland
In recent years, there has been much talk about investments related to energy as an alternative to fossil fuels, with coal at the forefront. The first planned power plant is to be built in Lubiatowo-Kopalino in Pomerania. In December 2022, the company Polskie Elektrownie Jądrowe entered into official cooperation with Westinghouse Electric Company. The AP1000 technology will be used in the construction of the first nuclear power plant in Poland.
Bełchatów opens the list of future investments
One power plant in Poland is not the end. Long-term investments are planned. They also include a place for a second power plant. As reported by the Minister of Climate and Environment, Anna Moskwa, we already know the preliminary list of potential locations. Among the five strong candidates is Bełchatów, as there is space available for power connection. The remaining locations have not yet been disclosed. All we know is that the most likely contractor for the work will be a company from South Korea. In addition to the main power plants, smaller nuclear power plants are also planned to supply energy to Nowa Huta in Krakow, Włocławek, Ostrołęka, Dąbrowa Górnicza, Stalowa Wola, Stawy Monowskie, and Warsaw. The first works are planned for 2029.
Controversies surrounding the construction of a nuclear power plant in Poland
Although there are many voices of opposition to nuclear investments, they usually come from uninformed circles that fuel fear based on the history of Chernobyl. There are claims that it is too costly an investment. In reality, in the long term, it can have a very positive impact on energy prices. In most European countries that have invested in this solution, prices are among the lowest.