PEJ applies for early works permit for nuclear power plant

Early works are designed to prepare the site and build the necessary infrastructure. Their goal is to create conditions necessary to begin the actual construction of the nuclear power plant - to comprise three Westinghouse AP1000 reactors - in the subsequent phases of the project. These are works that, in accordance with applicable regulations, may be carried out without a separate licence from the National Atomic Energy Agency (PAA).

The scope of work at the Lubiatowo-Kopalino site includes the construction of the onshore part of the circulating water system (pipelines for the intake and discharge of water used to cool down the power plant). Previously, this system had been classified by the PAA as not safety-related. Consequently, it can be built as part of early works for the non-nuclear part even before the licences required for the power plant's main facilities are obtained. According to the plans, the cooling system pipelines will be installed beneath the beach and the seabed of the Baltic Sea using a trenchless method.

Early works also cover the construction of a retention basin to collect rainwater and meltwater, as well as the construction of internal roads and special launch pits for the tunnel boring machine.

The mechanism of early works was introduced into the Polish legal system by the Act of 3 July 2026 amending the Act on the preparation and execution of investment projects in nuclear power facilities and associated investment projects, as well as certain other acts. The purpose of the amendment was to streamline the construction of nuclear power facilities, including Poland's first nuclear power plant, by allowing certain construction activities to be carried out prior to the main phase of the project.

"The construction of the nuclear power plant is the largest energy project in the history of Poland," said Minister of Energy Miłosz Motyka. "We have amended the regulations to streamline the project delivery. The application for the permit for early works is a practical use of these solutions."

Marek Woszczyk, President of the Management Board of PEJ, added: "The application for early works is crucial for at least two reasons. Firstly, from a scheduling perspective, it allows us to begin some of the basic work, which is not directly related to the nuclear part of the power plant, earlier, without having to wait for further administrative approvals, while maintaining the highest standards of quality and safety. Secondly, submitting this application would not have been possible without cooperation with the government and the efficient processing of the necessary amendments to the Nuclear Special Act, which is why I would like to express my sincere gratitude to all the institutions and parties involved in this process."

_{How the completed plant could look (Image: Polish Government)}

PEJ applied to the head of the Pomeranian Voivodeship in August 2024 for a permit to start preparatory works at the Lubiatowo-Kopalino site, including surveying works and fencing the preparatory works area. These works were to be carried out on an area of about 300 hectares in two phases, first on about 45% of the site. One of the necessary actions at the site of the future power plant will be the removal of vegetation preceded by mitigation measures - including metaplantation and the installation of bird and bat boxes.

Currently, the second phase of preparatory works is underway, which involves preparing the infrastructure for the future construction site. The contractor, Bechtel, is also conducting in-depth onshore and offshore geological surveys. The investor, PEJ, is continuing its efforts to obtain further administrative decisions, including preparations to submit an application for a construction permit in 2027.

In August, PEJ announced it had handed over management of the project site to general contractor Bechtel as earthworks started on the construction site. Bechtel is now responsible for both the execution and supervision of the work carried out during the preparation of the future construction site, as well as cooperation with the investment subcontractors and ensuring safety on the site.

Last month, Westinghouse placed conditional purchase orders for safety-related modules with four Polish companies, a week after being commissioned to begin ordering long-lead items for the first unit of Poland's planned first nuclear power plant.

Construction of the Lubiatowo-Kopalino plant is scheduled to begin in 2028. Under a recent update to the country's nuclear power programme, the first unit is scheduled to start commercial operation in 2036, and the plant is expected to reach full capacity by 2038 - three years later than previously planned.