Poland Plans to Build Another Nuclear Power Plant

A request for the construction of Poland's second-largest nuclear power plant has been submitted in the country. 

This development was reported by World Nuclear News.

Polish company PGE PAK Energia Jadrowa has applied to the Ministry of Climate for preliminary approval to build a nuclear power plant, comprising at least two APR1400 reactors supplied by South Korea. The proposed location is Pątnów-Konin, in the Greater Poland Voivodeship in central Poland.

This marks the initial phase of the administrative permitting process for nuclear energy investments in Poland, open to potential investors. If PGE PAK Energia Jadrowa secures this approval, it can subsequently apply for siting decisions or construction permits.

"Obtaining this decision is crucial for initiating subsequent tasks related to site placement, environmental studies, and eventually filing for construction permits for a nuclear power plant—an assured source of affordable, clean energy and slated to commence operation in 2035," stated company representatives.

"The application submitted today for the foundational decision on the planned nuclear power plant in Pątnów, Konin County, is a stride forward in realizing one of PGE Group's pivotal investments," commented President of PGE, Wojciech Dąbrowski. "Today's event confirms that we are on track. Through the company PGE PAK Energia Jądrowa, established for this purpose, we support a rapid work pace, ensuring adherence to the projected construction schedule and the commissioning of the nuclear power plant in Pątnów-Konin."

"Acquiring the foundational decision is critical for commencing subsequent tasks related to site placement, environmental studies, and, finally, filing for construction permits for a nuclear power plant — a stable source of inexpensive and clean energy and the commencement of its operation in 2035," PGE representatives affirmed.

"The application was submitted merely ten months after the signing of the letter of intent," the company added.

Jakub Rybicki, President of PGE PAK Energia Jądrowa, shared, "We are initiating discussions with our Korean partner regarding the technical and economic rationale, financing agreements for our project, and the establishment of a Polish-Korean company that will directly oversee this process."

PGE PAK Energia Jądrowa SA is a 50/50 joint special purpose vehicle formed in April by Polish companies ZE PAK and Polska Grupa Energetyczna (PGE) to implement the project.

Earlier, it was reported that the Swedish government is preparing to lift its ban on uranium mining, with the aim of acquiring a domestic source of fuel for nuclear power plants, especially in light of the reliance on Russia for the majority of supplies.

As The Gaze reported, Sweden's Minister for the Environment and Climate, 26-year-old Romina Pourmokhtar, explained that uranium mining would contribute to supplying fuel for Swedish nuclear power plants, including reactors planned for construction, with the goal of doubling electricity production over the next 20 years.