Poland considers nuclear power to reduce reliance on coal

• 5 years ago (2018-11-26)
• David Flin

Europe 1061 Nuclear 640

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Poland has indicated that it wants to generate more electricity from nuclear reactors, and hopes to attract over €88 billion of investment to achieve this. The Energy Ministry said that it wants the country to build 6-9 GW of nuclear power generation by 2043, with the first 1-1.5 GW unit to be completed by 2033. It estimates that total capital expenditure for the new reactors will be €93 by 2040.

Krzysztof Tchorzewski, Poland’s Energy Minister, said: “We’re the only country in the region that doesn’t have a nuclear plant. It will provide clean power for every Pole.” Poland has historically emphasised energy security, fearing that Russia could use its dominant position as supplier for political ends. Poland relies on its plentiful coal resources for the vast majority of its electricity.

The proposed strategy does not give details about funding for the nuclear plants nor which companies will be responsible for construction. Previously, state-controlled PGE has been in charge of the project, which has been in limbo for almost a decade. The document suggests that burning thermal coal and lignite would account for 60 per cent of power production by 2030, down from its current level of 80 per cent. The share of coal will decline further by 2040, to around 35 per cent. Renewables are set to account for 27 per cent of electricity generation by 2030.