Construction of Poland’s first nuclear power plant is advancing, with increasing focus on integrating Polish companies into the supply chain, as discussed at the European Economic Congress.
Nuclear Power Plant in Poland and the Role of Polish Companies
The construction of Poland’s first nuclear power plant is entering a phase where administrative decisions are no longer the sole focus; the composition of the supply chain is now a key consideration. This was a prominent theme during the “Nuclear Energy” panel at the European Economic Congress in Katowice.
Preparatory Work at the Choczewo Site
The nuclear power plant project in the Choczewo commune remains in the preparatory stages, gradually transitioning to more advanced on-site activities. Approximately 300 hectares of forest have been cleared, and land leveling is underway to allow for the entry of heavy equipment and further preparatory work. Parallel efforts are focused on supporting infrastructure and collaboration with administrative and local authorities.
Administrative Approvals and Regulatory Review
The application for a construction permit, comprising approximately 40,000 pages of documentation, has been submitted to the President of the State Atomic Agency (PAA). The PAA is currently conducting a formal and substantive review, with the Technical Inspection Office also involved in the process. The Technical Inspection Office is already verifying documentation, certifying equipment, and assessing production facilities to ensure they meet quality standards for the nuclear sector.
Contractors Seek Polish Partners
The Westinghouse-Bechtel consortium, the primary contractor for the nuclear power plant, is actively seeking partners. The first phase of geological surveys has been completed, with subsequent phases in preparation. The company has launched 16 procurement procedures, totaling approximately PLN 1.7 billion, with the participation of 31 Polish companies. Contracts awarded include geological surveys and turbine island supply, with future orders covering employee facilities, a assembly hall, and earthworks.
Integrating Local Supply Chains
This represents the initial phase of actively incorporating domestic companies into the project, alongside the development of a local supply chain. Westinghouse Electric Poland is currently collaborating with six Polish companies, preparing them to meet stringent quality requirements and participate in nuclear projects both domestically and internationally.
UNIBEP’s Perspective on Polish Firm Participation
Ewelina Karp-Kręglicka, a board member and technical and development director at UNIBEP, presented a detailed perspective on the participation of Polish companies and the terms of their involvement. UNIBEP, a major Polish construction company with over 75 years of history and predominantly Polish capital, has been listed on the Warsaw Stock Exchange since 2008, with a market capitalization of nearly PLN 540 million.
Contractual Conditions and Procurement Models
UNIBEP envisions its role as an executive partner in general construction and infrastructure work, including supporting infrastructure. The nuclear investment is attractive due to its scale, stable funding, and long-term nature. Crucially, the contractual terms are paramount. Karp-Kręglicka emphasized the importance of a procurement & construction (PC) model, which balances responsibility and risk, benefiting all parties. She also highlighted the need for a defined procurement process to create a complete schedule of PC orders, a price adjustment mechanism, and neutral cash flow.
UNIBEP’s Ongoing Participation in Tenders
UNIBEP is currently participating in procurement procedures and preparing for potential tasks within the project. The company also highlights its expertise in modular construction, which could be applied to building employee facilities.
Government Goals and Industry Challenges
Wojciech Wrochna, Secretary of State at the Ministry of Energy and Government Plenipotentiary for Strategic Energy Infrastructure, emphasized the government’s goal of building an entire nuclear energy sector in Poland, not merely utilizing domestic firms as subcontractors.
Industry Investment, Certification, and Workforce Development
Industry representatives noted that preparing for participation in nuclear projects requires significant investment and a lengthy certification process. Workforce development remains a key challenge, with public institutions emphasizing the need to strengthen teams and develop nuclear competencies, including “nuclearizing” engineers from other energy sectors.
EPC Contract Negotiations Continue
The central element of the project remains the EPC (Engineering, Procurement, Construction) contract for the construction of the power plant. Negotiations are ongoing, covering the scope of work and the allocation of risks over the investment’s multi-year horizon. The goal is to begin principal construction in 2028, with some activities already underway under the Engineering Development Agreement, which allows for continued design and preparatory work before the EPC contract is finalized.