Poland’s nuclear project is shaping up to be one of the country’s most important economic undertakings in the coming years. The government wants the planned power plant on the Baltic coast to serve not only as a strategic source of energy but also as a driver of national and regional industrial development. That is why PEJ, the state-owned company responsible for the nuclear project in Pomerania, places such strong emphasis on so-called local content—the involvement of Polish companies and workers in carrying out contracts that underpin the country’s energy security.
“The success of this project depends on it,” industry representatives emphasized during a meeting with entrepreneurs at the Pomeranian Development Agency.
“As a state-owned company, we are deeply committed to ensuring that Polish businesses and workers participate in our project at every stage. A dedicated task force has been established within the Ministry of Energy to support Polish firms in adapting to the requirements of nuclear energy projects. We have also set up a similar unit within the structures of PEJ,”
said Piotr Piela, Vice President of PEJ.
“Although construction has not yet begun, our company has already placed orders worth nearly one billion złoty with around 380 Polish firms.”
The planned nuclear power plant at the Lubiatowo-Kopalino site (Choczewo municipality) will consist of three AP1000 reactors with a combined capacity of 3.75 GW. This makes it one of the largest energy investments in Poland’s history and an opportunity to integrate hundreds more domestic suppliers into the supply chain.
“We are talking to Polish entrepreneurs, presenting the scope of potential work and learning about their capabilities so that they can strengthen and prepare for participation in the project,”
added Piela.
“Today’s meeting organized by the Pomeranian Development Agency is one such opportunity.”
According to Piotr Ciechowicz, Vice President of the Pomeranian Development Agency, cooperation with PEJ is strategic:
“PEJ is a key partner for us. We have signed an agreement covering two main areas. First, we provide local entrepreneurs with information about upcoming tenders and competitions announced by Bechtel, Westinghouse, or state-owned companies, so that they can compete. Second, together with PEJ, we will develop a model for how up to 12,000 employees of the plant will live in our region. Both processes are now underway.”
Platforms, Supplier Days, and Financial Support
PEJ supports domestic companies in many ways, including through the Polish Nuclear Platform (www.polskaplatformajadrowa.pl), which publishes up-to-date information on cooperation opportunities. It serves as an information hub connecting the investor, general contractors, and entrepreneurs. The company also works with the financial sector and public institutions to design support tools, including financing solutions for firms.
“We cannot guarantee contracts for Polish companies, as the law does not allow it, but we can and want to maximize their ability to compete fairly in tenders,”
stressed Piela.
In practice, PEJ and its contractors organize Supplier Days, information sessions, and symposia to explain technical requirements, ISO standards, and certification pathways. In the latest edition, about 100 companies took part—nearly half of them from Pomerania.
“For local micro, small, medium, and also large firms, entering the supply chain is absolutely crucial. At the regional level, we will provide information, advisory, and hopefully financial support. Together with the Pomeranian Development Fund, we are working to help entrepreneurs cover certification costs required for participation. More instruments will soon be available,”
said Ciechowicz.
“We have already held eight symposia where we explain how to prepare for the project. Certification, especially ISO 9001, is essential. Thanks to our cooperation with the Pomeranian Development Agency, regional businesses will be ready to submit competitive offers once implementation begins,”
added Leszek Hołda, President of Bechtel Poland.
Preparing for Global Standards
The Westinghouse-Bechtel consortium placed its first orders for the project in October 2024 with pre-selected Polish suppliers, including two firms from Pomerania. Several companies have already advanced in the certification process under the American NQA-1 standard.
“This will not only give them a chance to participate in the Polish project but, more importantly, in international nuclear projects,”
noted Piela.
Hołda highlighted the enormous scale of the undertaking:
“The project will require around 570,000 cubic meters of concrete—enough for three National Stadiums—and 39,000 tons of steel, equivalent to 5.5 Eiffel Towers. This illustrates the vast opportunities for Polish business and the Polish economy.”
Looking Ahead
Poland has set a clear goal of maximizing domestic industry participation in the project. Achieving a significant share of local content will require many companies to undergo adaptation to stringent quality and certification standards.
The first AP1000 reactor of Poland’s inaugural nuclear power plant is scheduled to be operational in 2036.
