Poland’s state-owned nuclear developer Polskie Elektrownie Jądrowe (PEJ) has taken a decisive step toward delivering the country’s first nuclear power plant station by submitting a construction license application to the national regulator, marking the transition from preparatory works into the build-out phase expected to start in 2028.

The project, located at Lubiatowo-Kopalino in Pomerania, is important to Poland’s multi-billion-dollar nuclear program aimed at reducing its heavy reliance on coal. Backed by the Polish government and developed in partnership with a U.S. consortium led by Westinghouse Electric Company and Bechtel, the plant will deploy three AP1000 reactors with a total capacity of up to 3.75GW. This positions Poland’s first nuclear power plant among Europe’s largest new-build nuclear projects.

Project Overview: Poland’s first nuclear power plant

Lubiatowo-Kopalino nuclear power plant is Poland’s first large-scale entry into civil nuclear energy. The project will consist of three Generation III+ AP1000 reactors, designed to deliver reliable baseload electricity while supporting long-term decarbonization goals.

The submission of the construction license application by PEJ is also an important regulatory milestone. It now allows Poland’s nuclear regulator to begin formal review of safety, environmental, and engineering documentation before granting approval for full-scale construction. Poland’s National Atomic Energy Agency (PAA) is now expected to issue a construction license within 24 months of receiving the application. This period also excludes any time needed for PEJ to supplement the documentation.

Preparatory works including geological surveys, site investigations, and early engineering design for Poland’s first nuclear power plant are also already underway. The project now continues to advance through an Engineering Development Agreement (EDA) between PEJ and its U.S. partners. This is as PEJ and the Westinghouse-Bechtel consortium expect to sign an EPC contract some time mid-2026.

Why is construction of Poland’s first nuclear power plant important?

Poland’s nuclear program is one of the most significant energy transition initiatives in Europe especially with the pinch of geopolitical tension being felt across the globe. The nuclear plant will help reduce Poland’s reliance coal-fired generation as well as enhance the country’s energy security.

The government has also committed up to PLN 60 billion (US$15-16 billion) in state support, following approval by the European Commission, underscoring the importance of the project. This is as plans also continue to take shape for Poland’s second nuclear plant in Patnow and a small modular nuclear reactor station in Wloclawek.

Additionally, the plant is part of a broader plan to deploy multiple nuclear units across two sites, with the first electricity expected in the 2030s.

Beyond calls for decarbonization, the project is also expected to:

• reduce dependence on imported fossil fuels
• strengthen grid stability amid renewable expansion
• stimulate domestic industrial participation and job creation

The project also reflects deepening U.S.-Poland energy cooperation, with financing support from institutions such as the U.S. Export-Import Bank already advancing the project’s funding structure.

When delivered, the Lubiatowo-Kopalino power plant will redefine Poland’s energy mix and position the country as a major nuclear energy hub in Central and Eastern Europe.

Project fact sheet for Poland’s first nuclear power plant (Lubiatowo-Kopalino)

Location: Choczewo municipality of Pomerania, northern Poland

Capacity: Up to 3,750 MWe

Reactor technology: AP1000 Generation III+ pressurized water reactors

Number of react0r units: 3

Developer: Polskie Elektrownie Jądrowe (PEJ)

EPC: Westinghouse-Bechtel consortium

Latest milestone: Construction license application submitted (2026)

Construction start: Expected Q4 2028

Operations start for reactor 1: 2036

Start of operation for reactor 2: 2037

Start of operation for reactor 3: 2038

Estimated total project cost: PLN 192-200 billion (€48–52 billion / $52–54 billion)

Government funding support: PLN 60 billion (€14 billion / $16.1 billion)

Strategic role: Energy transition, coal replacement, baseload generation

Who is behind construction of the Lubiatowo-Kopalino site nuclear station

Developer

• Polskie Elektrownie Jądrowe (PEJ)

Nuclear reactor provider

• Westinghouse Electric Company for AP1000 pressurized water reactors

EPC contractor

• Bechtel

Key equipment supplier

• Arabelle Solutions for turbine and generator systems

Supporting contractors

• Doraco for geotechnical and early construction works

Government and regulatory stakeholders

• Polish Government
• National Atomic Energy Agency (PAA) – regulator

Financial stakeholders

• Export-Import Bank of the United States (EXIM)
• Bank Gospodarstwa Krajowego (BGK)