EC approves state aid for Poland's first nuclear power plant
The European Commission (EC) announced on Tuesday that it had formally approved Poland's state aid package for the construction and operation of its first nuclear power plant, a key component in the country's decarbonisation strategy.
In September 2024, Poland notified the EC of its plan to support state-owned company Polskie Elektrownie Jadrowe (PEJ), the main investor and operator of the facility, through a capital injection of PLN 60 billion (EUR 14.1 bln), state guarantees for 100 percent of the debt which PEJ would take out to finance the project, as well as by ensuring stability of its revenues throughout the plant's lifecycle of 40 years.
In December that year, the EC opened a formal review of the package, focusing on its compliance with the European Union's state aid rules.
"We have it!" Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk wrote on X following the EC's announcement.
"Billions in public aid for the construction of Poland's first nuclear power plant. Europe has given its approval and the funds are there," he added.
Earlier on Tuesday, Tusk announced before the government meeting that the first PLN 4.6 billion (EUR 1.1 bln) of the state aid would be disbursed in December.
Energy Minister Milosz Motyka said in a video clip posted on X on the same day that the EC issued its approval in a record time of less than 12 months from starting its review.
"This is a real dimension of energy transformation, it's building energy sovereignty, it's a guarantee of stable energy [supply] and energy security," he said.
The facility, with an electricity generation capacity of up to 3,750 MW, will be located at the Lubiatowo-Kopalino site in northern Poland. According to the current timeline, the initial concrete will be poured in 2028, and commercial operation is expected to start in 2036. (PAP)
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