Poland’s government has formally adopted an updated nuclear power programme, confirming plans for two large-scale nuclear stations and a target of about 6-9 GW of installed capacity.
The overall capacity target is unchanged from the previous programme adopted in 2020, while the updated document includes revised schedules and decisions taken since then on the first station at Lubiatowo-Kopalino and preparations for a second project.
Under the updated programme, first nuclear concrete for the three-unit Westinghouse AP1000 station at Lubiatowo-Kopalino, on the Baltic coast in the northern province of Pomerania, is scheduled for 2028.
Poland last approved a version of its nuclear power programme in 2020, with targets for the first nuclear power unit to begin commercial operation in 2033 and two other units to follow in 2035 and 2037.
The updated programme pushes those dates back to 2036, 2037 and 2038 respectively, while shortening the planned interval between successive units from two years to one.
The 2036 commercial operation target for the first AP1000 unit at Lubiatowo-Kopalino is not a new delay. In 2024 PEJ gave 2036 as a likely startup date. The government formally announced 2036 as the planned commercial operation date when it released a revised programme outline in December 2024.
The government said the Lubiatowo-Kopalino project has moved from the preparation phase to implementation. State-owned project company Polskie Elektrownie Jądrowe (PEJ) applied for a construction licence to nuclear regulator PAA in March 2026 and preparatory work is under way at the site.
Poland has allocated PLN 60.2bn (€13.6bn, $15.3bn) in state equity for the project for 2025-2030. The financing model relies on equity to cover 30% of the project cost, with the remaining 70% coming from debt financing backed by state guarantees. The European Commission approved the state support model in December 2025.
For the second station selection of a strategic partner and reactor technology is planned for 2027, followed by selection of a site in 2028 and first nuclear concrete in 2032. Commercial operation of the first two units is targeted for 2040 and 2041.
The second station, known as EJ2, will use large-scale Generation III+ water-cooled reactor technology and the technology supplier and general contractor will be selected through a competitive process.
France, Canada and the US are taking part in the dialogue. Preliminary feasibility studies will form part of the selection process, with offers to be reviewed in 2027.
The Bełchatów and Konin coal power sites in central Poland remain the preferred locations for EJ2. Kozienice in eastern Poland and Polaniec in the southeast of the country are also listed for further analysis. The programme says preference should be given to sites in regions where large coal-fired power stations are operating or being phased out.
First Unit Target Is Three Years Later Than 2020 Schedule
Poland last approved a version of its nuclear power programme in 2020, with targets for the first nuclear power unit to begin commercial operation in 2033 and two other units to follow in 2035 and 2037.
The updated programme pushes those dates back to 2036, 2037 and 2038 respectively, while shortening the planned interval between successive units from two years to one.
The 2036 commercial operation target for the first AP1000 unit at Lubiatowo-Kopalino is not a new delay. In 2024 PEJ gave 2036 as a likely startup date. The government formally announced 2036 as the planned commercial operation date when it released a revised programme outline in December 2024.
The programme sets a target of at least 40% domestic industry participation by value for the first unit, with the share expected to rise for later units.
The programme also addressed small modular reactor (SMR) projects being developed outside the scope of the programme.
It said these projects should complement the state programme and announced preparation of a separate “Roadmap for SMRs in Poland” intended to support their development while maintaining technological neutrality and equal treatment of investors.
