28 Jan (NucNet): Poland’s government has adopted a programme which will see the country’s first nuclear unit completed and producing electricity by the end of 2024.
The government said in a statement today that the Polish nuclear power programme defines a timetable for the development of nuclear energy, with a second reactor scheduled to begin commercial operation by the end of 2035.
The schedule says a site selection procedure and tender process should be concluded by the end of 2016 and the licensing process should be completed by the end of 2018.
The main aim of the programme is to outline the objectives for implementation of nuclear power in Poland, develop the economic justification and a financing programme, and to launch a site selection process including safety and environmental protection analyses, a statement said.
The programme amends Polish nuclear law by adding or amending 45 regulations. The amendments focus on updating existing regulations taking into account the March 2011 Fukushima-Daiichi accident.
It also proposes an act on the preparation and execution of “nuclear facility projects” and associated investments.
The programme went through a comprehensive public consultation process during which more than 100 stakeholders submitted approximately 300 comments, the government said.
It was developed and reviewed by the International Atomic Energy Agency, which visited Poland in March and April 2013 as part of Integrated Nuclear Infrastructure Review and Integrated Nuclear Regulatory Review missions.
The programme was also the subject of a cross-border public consultation involving neighbouring countries. Between July and December 2012 expert-level meetings were held with Slovakia, Austria, Germany and Denmark.
