Poland has signed an agreement to begin preparing its second nuclear power plant, with Bełchatów and Konin the preferred locations. State-owned PEJ will lead the project, while utility PGE prepares site analyses and feasibility studies.
At a glance
- Poland's first plant, at Lubiatowo-Kopalino, will use Westinghouse AP1000 reactors with 3,750 MWe of capacity.
- Construction of the first plant is scheduled to begin in 2028.
- The agreement follows an updated nuclear programme adopted by the government on September 29.
Background
Poland generates much of its power from coal and plans nuclear power to cut emissions. Each large reactor needs a steady supply of enriched uranium fuel over decades, so new nuclear programmes add to long-term uranium demand.
What happened
Poland has signed an agreement to start work on its second nuclear power plant, World Nuclear News reported on October 13. The deal is between the Ministry of Energy, state nuclear company Polskie Elektrownie Jądrowe (PEJ) and utility Polska Grupa Energetyczna (PGE). Bełchatów and Konin are the preferred locations.
PEJ, wholly owned by Poland's State Treasury, will be the investor and coordinator. PGE will prepare site analyses and preliminary feasibility studies with potential technology suppliers.
Background
Poland announced in 2021 that six large reactors with a combined 6-9 GWe could be built by 2040, to reduce its reliance on coal. Later units were planned every two to three years.
The first plant, at Lubiatowo-Kopalino in Pomerania, will have a capacity of 3,750 MWe using Westinghouse's AP1000 technology. Westinghouse, Bechtel and PEJ signed a plan for its delivery in May 2023, and construction is scheduled to begin in 2028.
What it means
The agreement reflects the updated Polish nuclear power programme adopted by the Council of Ministers on September 29. The ministry said the cooperation is meant to make effective use of both companies' resources and experience and to improve investment preparation.
PEJ prepared the design of the first plant, which gives the second project a team that has already been through the process.
Our read
Outlook: bullish. New reactor programmes add to long-term uranium demand, though the second plant is many years away.
What to watch
- The choice between Bełchatów and Konin for the second plant.
- Technology supplier talks for the second plant.
- Start of construction at the first plant in 2028.
For information only, not investment advice.
Uranium price in India
metalscost.com India reference price as of 2026-10-16.
Detailed analysis
Timeline
- 2021-09: Poland plans up to six large reactors by 2040.
- 2026-09-29: The government adopts an updated nuclear programme.
- 2026-10-13: An agreement is signed to prepare the second plant.
- 2028: Construction of the first plant is scheduled to begin.
Demand Drivers
Poland's nuclear programme adds long-term demand for uranium fuel.
Government Policies
Poland is moving ahead with a second plant under its updated nuclear programme.
What could lift prices
- Poland is expanding its nuclear programme beyond the first plant.
- Construction of Poland's first plant is scheduled to begin in 2028.
What could weigh on prices
- The second plant is still at the site-study stage.
- A site has not yet been chosen between Bełchatów and Konin.
Country impact
| Country | Impact | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Poland | Medium | It is preparing a second nuclear power plant to cut reliance on coal. |
Industry impact
| Industry | Effect | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Nuclear Power | Positive | A European country is expanding its nuclear plans. |
Who gains, who loses
- Nuclear technology suppliers: A second Polish plant opens another tender opportunity.
- Coal-fired generators in Poland: Nuclear plants are meant to replace part of their output over time.
Other ways this could play out
- If studies proceed quickly, Poland could pick a site and technology partner within a few years.
- If the first plant faces delays, the second could slip too.
Price risks
- Large nuclear projects often run late and over budget.
- Financing for multiple plants is not yet settled.
Technical view
Price is mixed relative to its 20-period and 50-period moving averages, showing no clear trend alignment.
Computed from metalscost.com's own stored price history.
