Poland Accelerates Nuclear Power Construction, New Bill Approved by Senate

Poland's nuclear power construction has made new progress, with the Senate passing an amendment to a bill aimed at simplifying the preparation and implementation of nuclear energy investments. The amendment allows investors to initiate partial civil works and preparatory activities before obtaining a full construction permit, thereby accelerating the progress of nuclear power plant projects. The bill is currently awaiting the President's signature to take effect, and is expected to enter into force 14 days after its publication in the Journal of Laws.

The core of this new regulation lies in introducing a new type of permit—a construction permit covering preliminary civil works. This means investors can begin partial construction preparation before completing the full permitting and investment documentation approval for the entire nuclear power plant. Previously, the bill had passed smoothly through the parliament and undergone first reading by the Committee on Energy, Climate and State Assets, ultimately receiving approval from the Senate by an overwhelming majority.

According to the amendment, investors must first obtain necessary documents such as the environmental impact assessment report, site selection decision, and land use planning project before applying to the provincial governor for a preliminary civil works permit. The works allowed to be carried out in advance include excavation, backfilling, slope reinforcement, drainage system construction, construction of fire water tanks and rainwater collection basins, as well as preparation of construction sites, warehouses, rebar processing plants, roads, dedicated railway lines, and supporting facilities required for the investment.

For specific works that may affect nuclear safety, such as foundation reinforcement, isolation measures, and concrete foundation preparation, additional permission from the President of the National Atomic Energy Agency (PAA) is required. The PAA will assess the investor's capability to ensure nuclear safety and radiation protection, funding sources, construction qualifications, site conditions, and the impact of the works on the future operation of the plant. Additionally, the Internal Security Agency will be consulted regarding the physical protection system, and a brief safety report will be made public for feedback. The bill aims to reduce redundant administrative work and improve project efficiency by advancing the preliminary civil works permitting process in parallel with the full construction permit application.