The Polish Government has approved an €11.8bn project to develop two nuclear power plants (NPPs) by 2035 that are claimed to be the country’s first NPPs.
To be led by state-owned power company Polska Grupa Energetyczna (PGE), the plants of 3,000MW each will secure financial support from three other public companies including KGHM Polska Miedz, Tauron Group and Enea Group.
The site for the first plant is expected to be selected by the end of 2016, followed by securing all necessary approvals by the end of 2018 and commissioning by 2024, while work on the second unit is expected to begin by the end of 2030 with completion set for 2035.
Three possible locations in northern Poland near the Baltic Sea at Zarnowiec, Gaski and Choczewo are under consideration, but the local populace is considerably opposing the idea. Another location near Mielno was also considered, but had been rejected in a referendum.
According to the Polish Ministry of Economy, the plants will diversify the country’s energy mix and significantly contribute to the economic, social and regional development.
The development of nuclear power in Poland was first conceptualised in 2005 by the cabinet to diversify energy mix and curb carbon and sulfur emissions. Later the Council of Ministers had passed a resolution calling for the development of at least two plants in the country.
In January 2009, PGE announced plans to develop two nuclear power plants; in February 2012 a supervisory board approved the company’s proposals.
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