Poland and U.S. Sign Bridge Agreement for First Nuclear Power Plant
Republic of Poland
28.04.2025
"Polish-American friednship pays off - and will continue to pay off for both sides in the future. One of the most significant expressions of this friendship and cooperation will be the first Polish nuclear power plant," stated Prime Minister Donald Tusk after a meeting with U.S. Secretary of Energy Chris Wright. In their presence, the state-owned Polskie Elektrownie Jądrowe (Polish Nuclear Power Plants) and the Westinghouse-Bechtel consortium signed a bridge agreement - EDA (Engineering Development Agreement) - which sets the framework for contiued cooperation on the construction of Poland's first nuclear plant in Pomerania.
Poland's Nuclear Power Plant Development Gains Momentum
The agreement reached between the Polish company and the American consortium is a solid and balanced foundation for continuing their partnership in this strategic project. The Polish State Treasury was further protected by the involvement of the Office of the General Counsel, which had been omitted in the negotiation of the previous design agreement under the former government.
"I won't hide the fact that the Polish side strived to make this agreement more favorable for our interests—but also for those of our partners. Thanks to this agreement, where we modified 16 key areas, the investment becomes more secure. These guarantees give us all a sense of safety regarding this investment," said Prime Minister Donald Tusk in his statement.
Under the agreement, design work will continue, including efforts to secure necessary administrative decisions, licenses, and permits, as well as more in-depth geological studies at the project site.
"I must say with great satisfaction (...) that with friends, you can negotiate every detail—firmly, but reliably. Because between Poles and Americans, between our representatives who negotiated this agreement, and overall concerning the future of this project, the best possible relationship exists. It is a friendship based on credible and well-thought-out decisions," the Prime Minister added.
The EDA bridge agreement will allow design work to proceed until the European Commission approves public aid for Polskie Elektrownie Jądrowe and the final design and construction agreement is signed.
Polish-American Friendship Pays Off for Both Sides
The signed agreement is another step bringing Poland closer to realizing a strategically vital investment. It is also a testament to the strength of Polish-American friendship.
"We concluded these talks with full confidence that Polish-American friendship is not just a slogan. It's something that benefits both sides and will continue to do so. One of the most significant expressions of this friendship and cooperation will be the nuclear power plant up north, in my Kashubia. Work is now moving full speed ahead," said Prime Minister Tusk.
U.S. Secretary of Energy Chris Wright noted that the project would create tens of thousands of new jobs in both Poland and the United States. He emphasized it would be a truly joint endeavor.
"It will not only result in the construction of a very large nuclear power plant that will supply Poland's economy with energy for years. I also believe it will mark the beginning of long-term cooperation between Poland and the United States in this area. We will build more of these reactors both in Poland and other countries across Europe," he declared.
He also remarked that efforts to bring Poland and the U.S. closer together have been ongoing for years. He recalled that the two countries have been allies since the founding of the United States, and that their relationship is one of the longest and deepest friendships. While history has had its ups and downs, he emphasized, there has never been a division between the Polish and American nations.
Other Areas of Cooperation - Gas and Small Nuclear Reactors
The Polish-American talks also addressed LNG gas cooperation.
"Poland is one of the largest investors in gas infrastructure. We're a major importer of American gas, helping to free Poland and Europe from reliance on Russian supplies. We even discussed possibly securing gas for Ukraine—without financial loss—through our Polish-American cooperation," said Donald Tusk.
Talks at the Chancellery also included the future of small modular reactors (SMRs). Here too, Polish-American collaboration may prove highly fruitful.
"Polish-American nuclear energy cooperation is thriving—better than ever. And we certainly won't stop with just this investment, whether in energy or beyond," stated the Prime Minister.
Numerous business entities are currently working to develop SMR technology and explore its potential use by Polish industry. The most important of these projects involve the application of American nuclear technology.
Their implementation could complement the state's plans to build large-scale reactors. With ongoing decarbonization and electrification of the economy, demand is high enough to support both nuclear technologies.
Construction of Nuclear Power Plants in Poland
Poland's nuclear energy program envisions the construction of two nuclear power plants with a combined capacity of 6-9 GW.
The first nuclear power plant is scheduled to begin operations in 2036, with construction starting in 2028. It will be located in Lubiatowo-Kopalino (Choczewo municipality) in the Pomeranian region. Construction is expected to be completed in 2035, after which testing and regulatory approvals will follow before operation begins. The government has allocated PLN 60.2 billion for the investment.
The investor and operator will be the state-owned company Polskie Elektrownie Jądrowe (Polish Nuclear Power Plants). The Westinghouse-Bechtel consortium was selected by the previous government as the partner for the first plant.
The EDA bridge agreement signed between Polskie Elektrownie Jądrowe and Westinghouse-Bechtel defines the framework for continued cooperation in developing the plant, allowing the design phase to progress.
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