The construction of two nuclear power stations with a total capacity of 6-9 GW (6,000-9,000 MW) will be enough for Poland to avoid a power deficit by 2040, but state financial support will be essential and a major obstacle is the lack of a sufficiently abundant and qualified workforce, a new report says.

The report, by law firm Baker McKenzie and analysis website Polityka Insight, says Poland can achieve full energy security, but only by increasing investment in nuclear reactors – both conventional large-scale units and small modular reactors. “For this to happen, action is needed in the economic, legal, social, educational and environmental spheres,” the report concludes.

The implementation of nuclear projects requires “a systemic change” in the approach to state aid and structural support from government agencies. Without this, the market will not provide an adequate amount of capital, especially in view of the “limited business credibility” of some of the projects, the report says.