European Commission greenlights $16.9B in aid for Poland’s 1st nuclear plant
Construction of nuclear power plant in northern Poland set to begin before New Year, says Premier Donald Tusk
Photo by Polish Prime Ministry
WARSAW
The European Commission on Tuesday approved 60 billion zlotys ($16.9 billion) in state aid for Poland’s first nuclear power plant, clearing the final regulatory hurdle and allowing construction to begin “as early as December,” the nation's premier announced on Tuesday.
Speaking at the opening of a government meeting, Donald Tusk described the EU decision as “positive and essentially final,” adding that Brussels is completing “minor formalities” before issuing formal notification.
“We will have official confirmation today that the EU approves state aid for the construction of a nuclear power plant in Poland. Construction will be able to start fast — as early as December,” he said.
The plant will be built in Pomerania (Lubiatowo–Kopalino) in northern Poland and is expected to play a major role in the country’s shift away from coal, while strengthening long-term energy security.
In February 2025, the Sejm — Poland’s lower house of parliament — passed legislation allocating 60 billion zlotys from the state budget to recapitalize the state-owned Polish Nuclear Power Plant company. The legislation was contingent on EU approval of the state aid, which has now been granted.
Although formal construction has not started, preparation began in October, coordinated by Polish Nuclear Power Plants. The project includes clearing of trees and shrubs in cooperation with the Choczewo Forest District and State Forest units, scheduled to continue until March 31, 2026.
Under the current timeline, the first concrete for the reactor foundation is expected to be poured in 2028. The plant is projected to have a generating capacity of 3,750 Megawatts electric.
The decision marks a breakthrough in Poland’s decades-long attempt to launch a nuclear energy program. Although successive governments supported the idea, political disputes, financing obstacles, and regulatory delays repeatedly halted progress.
Tusk’s announcement signals the first time the EU has formally approved the financing structure required for construction to proceed.
Further details on the European Commission’s decision — including oversight mechanisms, conditions attached to the aid package and the expected timetable for EU monitoring — will be published upon official release.
