Nuclear Energy in Poland – From Political Commitment to Successful Programme Delivery: Building the Foundations for Long-Term Success

Panel Description

The development of nuclear power plants is one of the most complex infrastructure programmes undertaken by any nation. International experience demonstrates that the success of a nuclear programme depends not only on the choice of technology or financing model, but above all on the quality of institutional, regulatory, and organisational preparedness.

During this panel, leading experts will discuss the actions Poland should take today to successfully implement a long-term nuclear energy programme while simultaneously strengthening national capabilities, developing industrial capacity, and enhancing the country's economic competitiveness.

Key Discussion Topics

• Preparing the State for Nuclear Programme Delivery – establishing an effective governance framework, competent institutions, and a clear allocation of responsibilities across public authorities.
• Regulation as the Foundation for Investment – identifying the legislative and institutional reforms required to ensure an efficient licensing and investment process.
• Developing National Competencies and the Domestic Supply Chain – leveraging Poland's industrial potential and experience in the energy sector to build a sustainable nuclear supply chain and a competitive domestic industrial ecosystem.
• Financing and Risk Management – mitigating cost overruns and schedule risks by drawing on lessons learned from nuclear projects implemented across Europe and globally.
• Public Acceptance and Stakeholder Engagement – building trust through transparent communication, meaningful public dialogue, and effective cooperation with local communities and municipalities.
• The Role of Nuclear Energy in Poland's Future Energy Mix – examining how nuclear power should complement renewable energy sources, energy storage technologies, and the expansion of electricity transmission and distribution networks.
• International Cooperation and Knowledge Transfer – exploring what Poland can learn from countries currently developing nuclear programmes as well as from nations with decades of operational nuclear experience.

Panel Objective

The objective of this panel is to present practical insights and strategic recommendations for the development of a modern nuclear energy programme in Poland. The discussion will extend beyond the delivery of nuclear power projects to include the development of national competencies, a competitive domestic industrial base, an effective regulatory framework, and a long-term state strategy.

The panel will explore how ambitious energy policy objectives can be translated into successfully delivered strategic projects that strengthen Poland's energy security, economic resilience, and long-term competitiveness while supporting the country's transition to a low-carbon economy.