Poland has released an updated nuclear power policy which says its goal of building two large-scale nuclear power stations remains unchanged with selection of a partner and technology for a second nuclear station scheduled for 2027.
A government statement said the update of the Polish nuclear power programme (PNPP), prepared by the ministry of rnergy, marks the next stage in the implementation of “one of the most important strategic and development projects in Polish history”.
It said nuclear will support energy security, help transform the energy sector and help create conditions for further economic development.
The statement said the project for the first nuclear power station has moved from the preparation phase to the implementation phase.
Work is underway on the construction of the second nuclear station with selection of a strategic partner and reactor technology planned in 2027. Construction is scheduled to start around 2032 and launch of the first unit will be around 2040.
An earlier PNPP said the tender for technology and investors for the second facility would be launched in 2025-26, with construction from 2032 and the first reactor expected online in 2040.
As with Poland’s first nuclear station, the second will use proven Generation III+ large-scale light-water reactor technology.
Two coal-generation sites, Bełchatów and Konin, both in central Poland, remain the preferred locations. The government said they are regions with adequate energy infrastructure and years of experience in electricity production. The final location selection will be made after detailed analyses and field studies.
Work has begun to select a technology supplier and project contractor. The US, France and Canada have joined the process.
Energy minister Miłosz Motyka told a press conference that state-owned project company Polskie Elektrownie Jądrowe (PEJ) will coordinate work on the second facility. State-controlled utility Polska Grupa Energetyczna (PGE) had been seen as the possible project leader. Motyka said: “We also see a very important role here for PGE, which is currently present in the locations indicated for the construction of the second Polish nuclear power plant.”
The government said the goal is to select a comprehensive offer encompassing both technology and project financing under the best possible terms.
The update of the PNPP takes into account the changes that have affected the European energy market in recent years – from the energy crisis and Russia’s aggression against Ukraine to the growing industrial demand for predictable and low-emission energy.
Nuclear Remains A ‘Pillar Of Energy Security’
In the plan, nuclear energy remains one of the pillars of Poland’s energy security. Nuclear will diversify energy sources, reduce dependence on fossil fuels, replace shut-down coal-fired units with new, stable capacity, and increase the resilience of the power system to crises and market disruptions, the plan says.
It says nuclear power plants ensure energy production regardless of weather conditions, and support the development of renewable energy sources and the stability of the national power system.
The development of nuclear energy also creates conditions for “industrial development and new investments”, according to the plan.
Poland’s first nuclear project, on the country’s northern coast in the province of Pomerania, is being carried out by PEJ. It involves the construction of three Westinghouse AP1000 reactors with a total capacity of approximately 3,750 MW.
In recent months, the project has reached a number of key milestones. In December 2025 the European Commission approved the public support model for investments and in March 2026 PEJ submitted an application to the National Atomic Energy Agency for a construction permit for the facility. Preparatory work has begun at the site and so has work on supporting infrastructure.
“The process of contracting and preparing the next stages of the investment is continuing,” the government said.
Poland has already approved 60.2 billion zloty (€14.1bn, $16.3bn) in equity funding, subject to state aid decision, to cover up to 30% of the expected cost of the project
The first unit is scheduled to start commercial operation in 2036 and the facility is expected to reach full capacity by 2038.
Preparatory work has begun at the site of the first nuclear station. Courtesy PEJ.
