About the report:
Analysis of Poland's Readiness to Begin Construction of a Nuclear Power Plant in Choczewo. The report provides a summary of the status of all nuclear investments designed and planned in Poland. The core part of the publication is the Nuclear Readiness Index, which consists of six criteria: regulatory, political, social, system, investment, and technology readiness. The report concludes with a chapter outlining the next steps necessary for the efficient development of nuclear energy in Poland.
Key conclusions:
- Poland is about 58% ready to start construction of the Choczewo nuclear power plant.
- Regulatory readiness: Poland has a high level of regulatory readiness to begin building a nuclear power plant. However, it still has limited experience in applying these regulations and limited ability to swiftly adapt them to market changes or investors' legitimate needs.
- Social readiness: Nuclear projects in Poland enjoy strong public support. However, measures are needed to monitor any decline and to skilfully manage public emotions and the "NIMBY" phenomenon (Not In My Back Yard).
- Political readiness: Nuclear investments have been supported by both past and present governments, which is reflected in their decisions and policy approach. They are embedded in Poland's energy strategy, including development documents and plans, and are an integral part of Poland's economic policy. Moreover, the construction of nuclear power plants in Poland is supported by the political class at large, local authorities and international actors.
- Systemic readiness: The shortage of qualified personnel is an obstacle to the construction and future operation of nuclear power plants in Poland. Activities aimed at overcoming this shortage are being carried out, although the process of training and attracting specialists is a long-term, multi-stage process and is therefore progressing slowly. Nevertheless, electricity generated by a nuclear power plant is included in the plans to expand the National Electricity System (KSE), although the government's
main strategic documents do not adequately define its intended role in the Polish energy sector. - Investment readiness: Investment progress in the Choczewo nuclear power plant is still relatively low. The signing of the first
reactor construction contract (EPC) may be delayed until 2028–2029, before which the following will have to be done: finalisation of discussions on the conclusion of the EDA (Engineering Development Agreement), obtaining the European Commission's (EC) approval for state aid for the construction and operation of the plant, and finalisation of the financial model for the investment. - Technological readiness: In the case of the Choczewo plant, the investor has yet to make key decisions on the supply chains for essential goods and services. Other nuclear projects in Poland are at an early stage of development.
The report is also available in Polish.